Picture this: You’ve been hanging out with a special someone for a solid period of time now.

You’re connecting on a deeper level, enjoying each other’s energies, and learning what makes each other tick.

The obvious next step is to define the relationship and become exclusive… right?

Well, not always. Some people are happy to keep chilling with you minus any labels. This way, they’re able to maintain the freedom they need to hang with other people.

What can you do when you find yourself in this predicament with someone you actually really like?

You could be great together, but they won’t commit

The person you’ve developed feelings for refuses to define the relationship. This scenario would leave just about anyone feeling confused and frustrated.

It’s time to call it what it is, though – You are in a situationship.

Is there anything more toxic to deal with in this modern era of dating and romance?

How long have you been dating your partner? If it’s been a sufficient period of time and they still refuse to define the relationship, it’s probably time for you to walk away.

People who run from commitment while trying to keep you around are simply keeping their options open until they cross paths with someone they like more than you.

Don’t sit on someone’s roster as they continue dating around and doing whatever they want whenever you aren’t around.

Situationships are fine and dandy when both people are on the same page, but if you know deep down that you deserve genuine LOVE within the bounds of a committed relationship, why would you continue to settle for less?

Give a non-commital partner an inch and they’ll take a mile.

As soon as they realize they can keep milking you for all you’re worth without committing to you in a relationship, they’ll keep on doing exactly what they’re doing.

Take a stand for yourself. Show yourself respect. Show yourself love.

They’re not going to magically or randomly change their mind

Tell the person you’re dealing with exactly what your standards are, even at the risk of losing them forever.

Why should they continue having access to you if they aren’t willing to respect your needs and boundaries?

It’s better to lose them by allowing them to become someone else’s non-committal struggle than for you to keep going through the pain.

As much as you might hope they’ll eventually change their mind, PLEASE don’t hold your breath.

There’s someone for everyone. Although one person you like doesn’t want to get into a relationship with you, it doesn’t mean you won’t find what you’re looking for in someone else.