Have you ever tried asking a young person about their love life in 2025? If you’re expecting to hear “I’m in a relationship,” brace yourself—you might instead hear, “Well… it’s complicated. We’re just vibing.” The fact that “situationship” has become the go-to word for romance tells us something deeper about how society views love, intimacy, and commitment today.

THE RISE OF SITUATIONSHIPS

In today’s world, freedom and flexibility are the ultimate trophies. Young people are told, “Don’t rush into anything. Keep your options open. Enjoy the moment.” Sounds harmless, right? Wrong. This culture of endless options has produced a generation that thrives on emotional ambiguity and runs from clarity like it’s a tax bill.

Technology has been a faithful accomplice. With dating apps, DMs, and “accidental” late-night FaceTimes, it’s easier than ever to connect with someone—and just as easy to ghost them the next day. Situationships thrive in this digital buffet, where everyone wants intimacy without the calories of commitment.

THE SPIRIT OF THE AGE

Situationships are not just a fad; they reflect something spiritual. We live in an era where people crave intimacy but fear sacrifice. It’s a generation that wants the benefits of love without the burden of responsibility.

And here’s the suspenseful twist: what begins as freedom often ends in chains. People step into situationships thinking they’ve hacked the system—“all the love, none of the drama.” But the ambiguity eventually creates drama of its own. One person starts hoping for a future, while the other treats the whole thing like a free trial with no subscription. What was marketed as “freedom” quietly morphs into heartbreak.

WHY LABELS MATTER

Some might roll their eyes and say, “Labels are old-fashioned. As long as we’re happy, who cares?” Cute. But let’s get real: labels are not just names; they’re declarations of intent.

When two people say, “We’re in a relationship,” they’re not just announcing it to Instagram—they’re holding themselves accountable. It’s a commitment to clarity. And accountability is kryptonite to the vagueness that situationships feed on.

In Scripture, St. Paul tells us to “do all things in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14). Notice, he didn’t say, “Do all things in vibes.” Love, in its truest form, is intentional, sacrificial, and transparent. It is not allergic to labels; it embraces them because labels signal responsibility.

GOD DIDN’T DO A SITUATIONSHIP

Think about it: When Jesus loved the Church, He didn’t say, “Let’s just see where this goes.” He made a covenant—clear, costly, and eternal.

Imagine Christ saying, “We’re kind of exclusive, but I still want to keep my options open with humanity.” Awkward, right? That’s why the Bible is full of covenants, not half-hearted “maybe-ships.” Real love defines itself. It sets boundaries. It makes promises.

THE DANGERS OF AMBIGUITY

At first, situationships look attractive: no pressure, no expectations, no labels. Basically, it’s romance on a diet—sweet, but with zero nutritional value. The real danger of ambiguity is that one person always invests more while the other reaps the benefits of uncertainty.

Even worse, without clear direction, boundaries blur. Physical intimacy sneaks in, and suddenly what was “just casual” now carries scars of guilt, mistrust, or regret. The Catholic Church has been preaching this for centuries, not because it’s trying to ruin anyone’s fun, but because premarital sex often dresses up like love while secretly stealing its depth and dignity.

The Catechism teaches that love should reflect God’s fidelity, permanence, and fruitfulness. But try finding permanence in a situationship. You’ll have better luck finding Wi-Fi in a cave. Situationships rarely deliver what they promise because they’re built on sand, not stone.

THE GIFT OF COMMITMENT

Commitment often gets a bad rap—as if it’s a prison sentence. But in reality, commitment is the fertile soil where real love blossoms.

When two people commit, they create safety. Vulnerability becomes possible. Trust becomes normal. And families—those little human communities society still relies on—are built from that foundation.

Catholic teaching frames relationships not as random detours, but as journeys oriented toward marriage. That doesn’t mean you propose on the second date, but it does mean asking the million-dollar question early: “Where is this going?” Without direction, you’re not in a relationship—you’re on a merry-go-round powered by false hope.

WHY THE CHURCH STILL HAS A VOICE

So I argue that the Church’s views on relationships are hopelessly outdated, like flip phones or Myspace. But let’s be honest: what the Church offers is exactly what culture is starving for—clarity, accountability, and purpose.

Pope Francis, in Amoris Laetitia, reminds us that love is not just a passing emotion; it’s “a choice that makes itself manifest in works.” In other words, love is a verb, not a vibe. Situationships postpone choices indefinitely, which is why they feel thrilling in the beginning and exhausting in the end.

And here’s another forgotten truth: relationships don’t exist in a vacuum. They’re not just “me and you against the world.” They involve God, family, community, and accountability. When you define your commitment, you invite support, wisdom, and prayer. Skip the labels, and you risk drifting into isolation—and isolation is where counterfeit loves flourish.

PRACTICAL STEPS FOR YOUNG CHRISTIANS

So, what do you do if you’re navigating this messy modern landscape? Here are five practical steps:

  1. Seek Clarity Early – If you’re spending serious time with someone, ask the hard questions. “Where is this going?” is not desperate; it’s discerning.
  2. Align with Values – If someone dodges clarity like it’s a speeding ticket, ask yourself: do they share your faith and values? Spoiler: probably not.
  3. Guard Your Heart – Proverbs 4:23 isn’t playing around: “Above all else, guard your heart.” Don’t hand it over to someone who treats you like an option.
  4. Invite God into the Process – Pray together, discern together, and don’t be afraid to seek advice from trusted mentors. Sometimes God answers through the wisdom of community.
  5. Don’t Fear Labels – Labels aren’t chains; they’re road signs. They tell the world your love has meaning, direction, and dignity.

A CALL BACK TO TRUE LOVE

As Christians, we’re called not to settle for half-truths or halfway love. Our relationships should mirror Christ’s covenant with the Church—faithful, fruitful, and forever.

So the next time someone smugly says, “We don’t need labels,” just smile and think: “Funny, because Jesus used a covenant, not a situationship, to save the world.” Labels matter because love matters. Defining a relationship gives it dignity, anchors it in truth, and invites God’s blessing.

CONCLUSION

Situationships might be trending in 2025, but trends fade. What endures is the beauty of relationships rooted in clarity and commitment.

Our faith calls us to choose depth over convenience, covenant over confusion, and God’s design over culture’s counterfeits. If you find yourself in a situationship, maybe it’s time to ask: Am I settling for less than God’s best?

The world may keep changing, but the call to authentic love remains unchanged. Real love—committed, defined, and sacrificial—is the only kind that brings us closer to God and to each other.