What steps do I take to end a situationship respectfully?

To peacefully end a situationship, be honest, clear, and gentle. Don’t ghost or drag things out. Set a time to talk, say what you mean, and respect their feelings.

Ending a situationship is often trickier than a defined relationship because of the gray areas and undefined expectations. People get stuck, afraid to speak up or unsure if there’s even something to break off. But you deserve a life that feels calm and uncluttered, inside and out. The first step is getting clear with yourself about what you actually want. Are you feeling emotionally drained, anxious, or simply stuck? Acknowledge those feelings. They’re real and valid, even if your situationship partner doesn’t see things the same way.

Next, set aside time to talk, not text. There’s a lot of ambiguity and mixed signals in situationship culture, and that’s precisely why this step matters so much. You want to avoid confusion and show respect for both yourself and the other person. Use “I” statements: “I’ve realized I need to focus on myself and clear some space emotionally.” Don’t blame or point fingers, just be truthful. Expect some discomfort or confusion on their end; you can be kind without taking responsibility for their emotional reaction.

Boundaries are your best tool here. Once you’ve had the conversation, don’t fall back into old patterns. Reduce contact, unfollow if needed, and fill your time with people and activities that recharge you. This is your decluttering process. It’s about making space for what actually serves you and letting go of what doesn’t.

As you declutter your dating life, emotions will come up guilt, nostalgia, relief. All of these are part of the process. Remind yourself that ending something unfulfilling is a step toward more clarity and healthier connections in the future.

If you’re feeling lost or want support, there are resources to make this easier. notBf is one of the only apps built just for young women navigating situationships. It acts like a personalized AI companion, helping you gain clarity and confidence for your next steps. No judgment, no ads just support for figuring out what you need and how to make dating work for you.