One of Urban Dictionary's definitions of a situationship is, "A relationship that has no label on it.. like a friendship but more than a friendship but not quite a relationship." How on God's green earth does that make any sense? I know, Urban Dictionary is a great resource for defining trendy words and euphemisms used by teens and young adults but why is this of all things trendy now? I mean, there are cat videos and even pictures of animals without necks, but fostering pseudo-relationships? I just feel like this is not only enabling poor commitment in relationships, but it's also so temporary and people get strung around then get hurt. Why waste your time?!

Of course, this goes without saying that there's some time and hard work involved when it comes to building a relationship. However, if you're willing to see someone for 4-6 months and do all the same things as a couple would, what's stopping you from actually being a couple? Sure, you may have commitment issues or some serious problems you've got to resolve before bringing someone else into the picture, and those are totally valid reasons to not get into a relationship. However, setting yourself and the relationship you're developing up to end is a different story and can lead to some hard feelings on both ends. Especially to the person you may just be stringing along. Eventually, you'll start seeing a pattern, not a good one, unfortunately. Maybe even question yourself, I did.

I'm saying this because if you're anything like me, you'll start to ask yourself, "What is it about me that makes this guy see no value in committing to a relationship with me?", "What is it about me that makes this guy just want me for my body?" To be clear, there's absolutely nothing wrong with you. Once I realized I was beginning to question my self-worth based on piddly, convoluted relationships with guys who were exactly that; I finally saw that something was wrong. I hated knowing that I was going against my own advice when I would tell my friends to never question their self-worth based on a man's desire (or lack thereof) to be in a relationship with you. No matter how clear I could be about my intentions in a relationship, I saw that it wasn't until I told the guy to stop trying to spare my feelings and tell me the truth about what he wanted from me that I finally got some answers. With all of that considered and changing how I approach a new potential relationship, I'm more direct and assertive with a touch more confidence knowing that there are still decent guys out there, but I no longer question my self worth because it isn't me. It's them.

If you take nothing from this at least take this; get to know yourself and what you want in a relationship and in a partner. At least have an awareness of things you can be flexible with and accommodating to, as well as things that you just won't stand for.

I understand the people that only want flings and situationships, or some have commitment issues due to a variety of circumstances, and to each their own. I just can't help but say something because I refuse to settle for any relationship with an expiration date or any relationship that won't have a progression to something real. Why? Because I deserve it, and you do too.

One of my favorite paragraphs ever written about this realm really sums it up. Thank you, Thought Catalog!

"Trust me when I say that a love bred out of convenience, a love that blossoms from the need to sleep beside someone, a love that caters to our need for attention rather than passion, is a love that will not inspire you at 6am when you roll over and embrace it. Strive to discover foundational love, the kind of relationship that motivates you to be a better man or woman, the kind of intimacy that is rare rather than right there."

Love isn't meant to be convenient and easy. It's work and can be difficult, but the difference is that you'll be part of something greater than yourself. There's someone out there who's wiling to put that kind of effort and love into a relationship with you, it just takes time. Hang in there!