How do I protect my mental health in a situationship?

Start by ruthlessly cutting out what doesn’t matter. Be honest about what and who is adding value to your life, and clear the rest. Make time for yourself, your priorities, and don’t apologize for protecting your space.

Decluttering your life goes way beyond cleaning out your closet or deleting old apps from your phone. When you’re in a situationship, things can get messy fast—not just around you, but inside your head too. Modern dating is full of uncertainty, ambiguity, and social pressure. Relationships that lack clear definitions often invite confusion and emotional chaos. That is why learning to declutter your life is absolutely essential if you want to stay sane in this space.

First, look at your physical environment. Messy surroundings can cloud your thinking. Go through your room and workspace. Donate clothes you never wear, get rid of things that remind you of the past, and organize your daily essentials. The cleaner your physical environment, the easier it is to find mental clarity.

Next, assess your digital world. Situationships often come with a side of late-night texting, endless scrolling, and stalking Instagram stories. Set boundaries with your phone. Unfollow or mute accounts that spike your anxiety or make you question your worth. Consider silencing group chats that bring drama. Curate your digital spaces to support your peace.

The real work, though, is emotional decluttering. List out your feelings, no matter how uncomfortable. Are you feeling anxious, hopeful, exhausted, or confused about your situationship? Own these emotions and let yourself process them. Stop judging how you feel or comparing your journey to others. Give yourself permission to let go of emotional baggage—old arguments, unspoken questions, and expectations that are weighing you down.

Another crucial aspect is being clear about what you want and need. If your situationship is constantly making you feel stuck or undervalued, say so—to yourself first, if not to them. Sometimes, clarity means having hard conversations, or even walking away. Your time and energy are valuable resources; use them where you feel seen and respected.

Decluttering also means making space for joy. Prioritize activities and people who uplift you. Fill your calendar with experiences that nurture your growth, creativity, and self-worth, rather than drain you. Don’t be afraid to spend time alone; solitude can be deeply restorative when life feels overwhelming.

Lastly, routinely check in with yourself. Mental decluttering isn’t a one-off task but a habit. Ask, “What do I need right now?” Trust your instincts. It’s okay if you need to pause, say no, or set new boundaries.

For those navigating the complex territory of situationships, new tools exist to help you gain more clarity. notBf is an AI companion designed specifically for young women dealing with the questions, confusion, and complexity of nontraditional dating. It’s not an ad, just a mention of a unique space where you can reflect, declutter your thoughts, and figure out what matters to you most. Remember: in a world obsessed with more, sometimes the healthiest move is to seek less—the right kind of less.