At The Matchmaker UK, we are passionate about promoting intentional, purposeful dating that leads to meaningful, lasting relationships. Unfortunately, the rise of so-called situationships – the ambiguous, undefined middle ground between casual dating and a committed relationship – has left many people feeling confused, frustrated, and emotionally drained.
While a situationship might initially feel exciting, it often ends up being a profound waste of time and emotional investment. Worse still, the end of a situationship can sometimes feel even more painful than a traditional relationship breakdown. Why? Because situationships keep you suspended in hope. You invest time, energy and emotion into someone who has never fully committed to you – and when it ends, you are left mourning the potential rather than the reality.
At The Matchmaker UK, we believe in avoiding this emotional grey area altogether. One of the most important principles we teach our clients is simple: you should date someone consistently for at least a month before agreeing to exclusivity, and then you should allow a maximum of six weeks of being exclusive before making it official as a relationship.
Why is this so important?
- A month of dating before exclusivity allows you the opportunity to really get to know someone. It gives you the time and space to assess compatibility, values, lifestyle, and long-term goals without the pressure of exclusivity clouding your judgement.
- Six weeks of exclusivity offers a clear, healthy window to decide whether this person is someone you truly want to pursue a serious relationship with. By this point, you should have seen enough of their character and intentions to make a confident decision.
If you are still questioning where you stand after six weeks of exclusivity, it is a strong indication that either the connection is not strong enough, or the other person is not looking for the same level of commitment you are.
Dating intentionally – with clear timelines and firm boundaries – does not make you demanding; it makes you discerning. It demonstrates that you value yourself, your time, and your future.
Setting Boundaries Protects You
When you establish a clear framework for dating, you protect yourself from the emotional turmoil that situationships so often cause.
By setting timelines:
- You save yourself months (or years) of uncertainty.
- You avoid investing deeply in someone who is ultimately unavailable or unwilling to commit.
- You maintain your emotional wellbeing and self-respect.
Healthy boundaries are not about controlling others – they are about clearly communicating what you expect and gracefully walking away if someone is unable or unwilling to meet those standards.
Heartbreak Without Closure
Many people underestimate just how damaging a situationship breakup can be. Unlike a traditional relationship, where there are clear milestones and shared memories, a situationship often leaves you grappling with “what ifs” and unfinished conversations.
The lack of closure can prolong the healing process, making it far more painful than necessary. When you date intentionally, you drastically reduce the risk of experiencing this type of emotional limbo.
How The Matchmaker UK Can Help
At The Matchmaker UK, we specialise in helping successful, serious-minded individuals find genuine, lasting love. Our expert matchmaking and dating coaching services are designed to guide you through the modern dating landscape with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
We provide:
- One-to-one date coaching to help you build confidence, set healthy boundaries, and develop a dating mindset that attracts the right partner.
- Personalised matchmaking services, connecting you with highly compatible individuals who are equally serious about finding a committed relationship.
- Support and guidance at every step of your journey, ensuring you never have to navigate the challenges of modern dating alone.
If you are tired of wasting your time on situationships and ready to invest in a future filled with real, lasting love, The Matchmaker UK is here to help.
You deserve more than “almost.” You deserve clarity, commitment, and true connection.
Let us help you find it.