Navigating Situationships: How to Get What You Really Want
Dr. Rick and I explore "situationships" – those poorly defined, boundary-free relationships that exist in a gray area between friendship and committed dating. Through our father-son dialogue, we unpack why these arrangements have become so common, examine the emotional trade-offs that keep people stuck, and share how to reclaim a sense of agency and build more authentic connections. The episode includes a role-play where I play someone struggling with situationships, while Dr. Rick draws on his decades of experience as a couples counselor to offer guidance.
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You can watch this episode on YouTube.
Key Topics:
0:00: Introduction
2:35: What is a situationship?
7:25: The benefits of a situationship, and relationship asymmetry
13:05: A roleplay of sharing your feelings
20:55: Uncertainty, wanting to be liked, and the fear of asking for what you want
31:10: Gears of rapport, and knowing your worth
38:05: Honoring yourself when a change is needed
48:05: How much to care, and the natural arc of change
52:35: Early indicators that someone is ready for a relationship
58:55: Recap
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