How to Clear Your Roster and Make Space for Real Love in 2026
The Truth About Your Situationship and How It’s Blocking a Healthy Relationship
In our pursuit of a long-term relationship, we must make a series of decisions. Ones that are no brainers, ones that are out of our control, and others that feel like the hardest decision of our lives.
And that is, ending a situationship after trying our best to maintain a connection that just keeps slipping.
As much as we hope it will turn into something more permanent and secure, the rollercoaster doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. It’s hard to see when we are immersed in the ups and downs, but this very situationship is the thing holding us back from the very thing we’re on the ride for…
A real, honest, and safe relationship.
Time can help us realize this person isn’t going to change. Sometimes, more time than we’d like to admit. But there’s always a moment when the only way forward is choosing ourselves, whether we choose that, or the end is forced upon us by the other person.
The point is, you don’t deserve to constantly feel whiplashed by someone who won’t even call you back when you ask. And you know it.
It’s time to advocate for what you want, not to the one who can’t commit, but to yourself. And it all starts by making a decision that leads you to the relationship you’re dating for.
But where do we begin? How do we stop the rollercoaster before plummeting into another situationship abyss?
Clearing the roster.
Whether a situationship or FWB came to mind reading the above, the emotional space they are taking up (even if it’s a little) is keeping you from sharing it with someone who aligns with where you’re going.
However, it’s not so simple as saying, “You’re right, I’m going to end it.”
We must take time to reflect and learn to trust ourselves before making any immediate decisions.
To do that, we can ask ourselves…
How do they and I align in our values, goals, or ways of living? How do they make me feel about myself?
Is this someone I see growing a healthy relationship with? Do I see myself introducing them to my family?
Are they meeting my needs and honoring the ones I’ve already shared? Is this safe?
If the answer is no to any of the above, it may be time to let go and make room for those who will make the answers a yes.
If you’re wondering if you’re even in a situationship?
The Oxford dictionary defines a situationship as a romantic or sexual relationship that is not considered to be formal or established. Aka. There’s been a lack of conversations about what the relationship is. Exclusive? Casual?
One or more people are in the dark without a shared direction or goal. It’s heading into a connection without any clear intention. Yes, unknowns exist in the early stages of dating. That’s a part of getting to know someone. But what a healthy new connection has that a situationship doesn’t is communication.
Through every stage, there are check-ins of feelings and intentions for where the relationship is and where it’s heading, initiated by either person. There is a shared vision. This vision can be casual, but a direction all the same.
A relationship that lacks communication feels impossible. A dead-end road that slowly sucks the spark out of you. And that exact spark is what will attract the person who matches your energy, values, and goals.
Not to be mistaken for the spark on the first date. Your spark is what makes you, you, by living authentically, speaking your truth, and living from a safe place. And situationships don’t let us do that. It dims us instead.
As we leave this year, choose your spark. Start with a fresh plate. A space for new opportunities to come into your life in 2026. The decision to end your situationship is the first step in a series of decisions that will lead you to the relationship you deserve and are riding the roller-coaster for.
Because what you’re looking for isn’t in the situationship that has no boundaries or vision. It’s in the choices you make that honor yourself and where you want to go.
Sure, there will be more hard decisions to make, more nos to people who don’t feel right, and more opportunities to speak your truth, even if it’s hard. But that’s how you get to where you want to go. By being yourself, advocating for the relationship you deserve, and learning along the way.
Start now for a new year that feels possible.
If you need, click here for tips on how to end a situationship without being the bad guy.
Like what you read?
Sign up for our weekly newsletter with more dating tips, single & dating events, and exclusive coaching offers. PLUS! Stevie’s unedited dating thoughts.
