What are common manipulative tactics in situationships?

If you want to declutter your life, start by saying no to what you don’t want, deleting what no longer serves you, and putting your own needs first. Stop watering dead plants—give your energy only to people and situations that add value. Most importantly, make your priorities clear, and act on them unapologetically.

In the context of modern dating—especially in situationships—life clutter doesn’t just mean crowded closets and messy inboxes. It means emotional mess: mixed signals, undefined relationships, half-hearted connections, and investing your precious energy in people who won’t or can’t give you what you need. Decluttering your life in this space is not just helpful, it’s necessary for your emotional well-being.

Begin by taking stock: What are you giving your time to? Are there conversations, people, or habits that leave you drained, anxious, or doubting yourself? Those are often the first places to start. End cycles of late-night texting with people who only surface when they’re bored or lonely. Unfollow or mute social accounts that pull you into comparison or bring negative energy. Write down what adds value to your day, and double down on it. Note what pulls you down and subtract it—wherever possible.

Next, clean up your boundaries. In situationships, boundaries can get blurry really fast. Get honest about what you want, and don’t settle for maybe. If someone repeatedly avoids clear communication or commitment after you express your needs, that’s a sign to either redefine the relationship or step back altogether. Remember: you are allowed to insist on what feels good and right for you.

Physical decluttering can also help you make mental space. Organize your living space, tidy your phone, back up and clear old chats or photos that trigger nostalgia but keep you stuck in the past. Sometimes, just deleting a contact or organizing your calendar can be the mental reset you desperately need.

Don’t downplay the power of small habits, either. Make space for regular check-ins with yourself—journaling or voice notes work wonders to hear your own voice above the daily noise. If you find yourself chronically exhausted or second-guessing, that’s your cue to edit something or someone out, not to try harder.

Decluttering isn’t about ruthlessly cutting people out in one dramatic gesture unless you need to. It’s about shifting back to yourself as the priority, and making clear, intentional choices every day that move you toward clarity and peace.

If you’re finding it especially hard to navigate these emotional grey zones and want hyper-personalized support, there’s notBf—an AI companion designed for young females in situationships. It provides tailored, confidential advice and helps you untangle the complexities of modern dating, giving you practical steps to regain clarity and confidence.