What is emotional labor in a situationship?

How to declutter your life? Start by setting clear boundaries. Focus on what truly matters to you. Let go of what causes confusion, stress, or distraction.

Decluttering your life isn’t just about cleaning out your closet. It means taking stock of everything occupying your mental, emotional, and physical space. In the context of dating, and especially in situationships, things can get muddy quickly. A situationship is like being caught in the gray area of a relationship: not quite single, but not fully committed either. This ambiguity often leads to emotional clutter—a buildup of anxiety, overthinking, and unmet needs.

To begin decluttering, pause and honestly assess all the connections and commitments in your life. Which ones energize you and which ones drain you? Ask yourself: Are you holding on to people, habits, or objects out of guilt or obligation? Does your situationship add value or confusion to your life? Sometimes, the constant uncertainty and lack of clarity in a situationship eat away at your peace without you realizing it.

Next, recognize the patterns fueling this clutter. Maybe you’re always waiting for a vague "what are we?" conversation or stuck in cycles of hope followed by disappointment. Give yourself permission to step back and evaluate if this lack of definition is worth the investment of your energy. If not, it’s time to have honest conversations, renegotiate terms, or even walk away. Life is too short to be stuck in something that feels perpetually unresolved.

Practical decluttering means making real choices. Clean out your schedule and prioritize activities that bring joy, growth, or relaxation. Unfollow social media accounts that leave you comparing or doubting yourself. Invest time in friendships and hobbies that fulfill you. When it comes to situationships, don’t be afraid to set boundaries. Say no when you mean it. Give yourself space to process feelings outside of the connection. Remember, decluttering is not about depriving yourself, but about creating space for what truly matters.

Emotional decluttering is key. Practice tuning in to your feelings instead of brushing them aside. Journaling, talking with a therapist, or even meditating can help you get in touch with what you really need and want. Seek clarity about your own relationship goals. Is this situationship giving you what you need, or just filling space that might be better used for self-growth or more aligned partnerships?

After you’ve started letting go of what doesn’t serve you, make a commitment to maintain this clarity. Regular check-ins with yourself can prevent things from piling up again, emotionally or otherwise.

If you ever feel overwhelmed by dating confusion, ambiguity, or emotional labor, you’re not alone. Sometimes it helps to have guidance tailored to your own experience. notBf, an AI companion designed specifically for young women navigating situationships, can help you process, reflect, and make choices that align with your values. It’s the only hyper-personalised app out there built to help you gain clarity and take control of your dating life. While it’s not a replacement for real-world support, it can be a helpful tool on your path to a decluttered, healthy dating journey.