The love of the grey area
In today's age, relationships can feel daunting. Whether that's a situationship or a true relationship, it's a journey that demands effort and resilience, and many people hesitate to embark on it. But why? Is it the fear of commitment itself, or the dread that all the investment might end up fruitless? It's easy to wonder if it's worth dedicating time and energy to someone who may not be a permanent fixture in our lives. Is it better to avoid starting anything at all?
Commitment can be intimidating because it means entrusting ourselves fully to someone, with the hope that they won't hurt us. It encompasses believing that the love we offer will be reciprocated, and that the person we choose will add value to our lives without being our sole source of fulfillment. It's accepting certain compromises to maintain the relationship, sometimes even sacrificing aspects of ourselves. For many, committing to someone raises the haunting question: "Will I end up getting hurt?"
In essence, the reluctance towards commitment stems from a blend of fear, uncertainty, and the recognition of the sacrifices required. Yet, despite the risks, many still pursue relationships, driven by the hope of finding a connection that is greater than the fear itself.
Through a situationship, the lines between physical and emotional vulnerability blur. When these things intertwine, it's easier to opt for the safety of uncertainty rather than embracing full commitment. Many think it's better to keep the lines blurred just in case things don’t work out in our favor. Is it worth enjoying now and hurting later? And do I have the emotional capactity to handle this? These are the kinds of questions that race through our minds when we dive into a new situation with someone. It's like trying to find your way through a maze without a map… you're never quite sure if you're going too far, not far enough, or if you even want to be on this route in the first place. But if you know the answers to those, you have nothing to worry about.
As a college student, I've seen this scenario play out way too often. Too many times, people get stuck in a situation where they thought things were headed in one direction, only to have it all turn around on them.
Here's what I've learned: it's crucial to know where you stand before diving in. Having clear boundaries helps you stay grounded, even when everything else feels up in the air. Sure, sticking to those boundaries can be tough sometimes (most of the time), but at least you'll always have something to come back to when things get chaotic. It’s easy to get caught up and start believing it’s more than what it truly is.
Although thinking logically about it is difficult, it’ll only ground you. It's best to have fun with it, not take it too seriously, and not cross those lines unless you know it's what you want.
What’s the Catch?
Learning when to keep going and learning when to stop… that’s the love of the grey area
