Navigating Situationships: How to Get What You Really Want

Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

Forrest and Dr. Rick explore "situationships" – those poorly defined, boundary-free relationships that exist in a gray area between friendship and committed dating. They unpack why these arrangements have become so common, examine the emotional trade-offs that keep people stuck, and share how to reclaim a sense of agency and build more authentic connections. The episode includes a role-play where Forrest plays someone struggling with situationships, while Dr. Rick draws on his decades of experience as a couples counselor to offer guidance.

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You can watch this episode on YouTube.

Key Topics:

0:00: Introduction

2:35: What is a situationship?

7:25: The benefits of a situationship, and relationship asymmetry

13:05: A roleplay of sharing your feelings

20:55: Uncertainty, wanting to be liked, and the fear of asking for what you want

31:10: Gears of rapport, and knowing your worth

38:05: Honoring yourself when a change is needed

48:05: How much to care, and the natural arc of change

52:35: Early indicators that someone is ready for a relationship

58:55: Recap

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