In love but not in a relationship. Why is Gen Z more likely to choose situationship than partnership?
While previously "friends with benefits" were seen as an alternative to a relationship, today the situation is more complex - or rather, more subtle. The term situationship describes an emotional connection between two people without clear commitments, without labels, without expectations. But beware - not necessarily without feelings.
According to a study by the platform YPulse, which surveyed a group of respondents aged 13-39, about 20 percent of Gen Z said they had experienced situationship, compared to about 16 percent of millennials. At the same time, more than a third of Gen Z prefer an unmarked relationship over a traditional one.
Relationship in the era of Snapchat and DMs
For many, it all starts subtly. Communication takes place in Instagram messages, through emoji and reactions to a storyboard. "Just texting someone on Snap every day can be the start of a relationship for me," says Vojta, a 20-year-old from Prague. From the so-called talking stage - the "something's happening but we don't know what" phase - the relationship then often spills over into situationship.
"We date, we sleep together, we spend time together. But we are not 'us'. That would be too serious," Adam (21) from Brno describes his relationship. He and Veronika met during a summer festival. They liked that they didn't have to define anything - just be together. Until they returned to their respective cities. "Suddenly everything is different. There's no framework to hold the relationship together."
Autonomy, but with overlap
For Generation Z, autonomy is key. They study, they build careers, they travel. "A traditional relationship can feel restrictive," says Veronica. "But emotional closeness is just as important to me, I just want to experience something too."
It's these reasons that lead GenZ to situationship. People sleep together, go out to dinner, share vulnerability - but they also leave space for each other. It's a relationship that doesn't want to be named. And that is both its strength and its weakness.
"I feel safe with her, but at the same time I don't know what I can afford," says Eliska. She and Teresa met online. They don't see each other often, but they text almost daily. "It's intense. But when I think about inviting her to a family lunch, I feel like I'm breaking unwritten rules."
Stories without a name
Every situationship is a little different. But the commonalities are recurring: closeness without formal commitment, freedom, but also uncertainty.
David (22), Ostrava
He has been in a situationship with Veronika since autumn. "We don't call it a relationship, but we spend almost every weekend together." David admits that he sometimes gets jealous when he sees Veronika with others. "I can't blame her. But something in me gets annoyed anyway."
Eliška (20), Prague
Her relationship with Tereza is filled with emotions, but not rules. "Situationship suits me - I don't have to plan for the future, but I know that someone cares about me."
Adam (21), Brno
The relationship with Veronika started naturally - no dates, no major decisions. "But once their lives were separated again by school and responsibilities, the realisation came. "Without a name, you don't know where you stand."
Emotions without rules
Situationship brings benefits and pitfalls. It allows you to get to know someone without pressure or obligation, but it also creates room for unspoken expectations. Especially when one starts wanting more and the other doesn't, it can be exhausting.
At the same time, however, thousands of young people in situationships are trying out what they actually want from a relationship - and this can be an important step on the road to self-discovery.
A future without labels?
Will situationship be the new standard for love relationships? It's hard to say. But one thing is certain - the traditional model of "first dating, then relationship, then living together" is no longer the only option.
"I need freedom, but I also need tenderness," Eliska sums up. "And situationship gives me that. At least for now."
Perhaps this "for now" is the most accurate expression of the times we live in. Relationships that aren't written in a Facebook status, but still stir the heart. Ones that can't be pigeonholed - which is why Generation Z finds so much truth in them.
