WHATEVERWEARE · the science
The science of situationships
No vibes, just receipts. Every guide below is grounded in real relationship research — the same studies that power your situationship score.
Guide · 3 sources
What is a situationship?
A situationship is a romantic connection with no agreed label or commitment. Here’s the definition, the science, and how common it really is.
Guide · 2 sourcesStable ambiguity: the therapist’s name for a situationship
Esther Perel’s term “stable ambiguity” explains why situationships persist. Here’s what it means and why undefined can feel safer than commitment.
Guide · 3 sourcesWhat is breadcrumbing — and does it actually hurt you?
Breadcrumbing is sporadic, low-effort attention with no intention to commit. A 626-person study found it measurably lowers well-being.
Guide · 1 sourcesThe Gottman 5:1 ratio, explained
Dr. John Gottman’s “magic ratio” is 5 positive interactions to every 1 negative. His lab used it to predict divorce with over 90% accuracy.
Guide · 1 sourcesThe sunk-cost trap: why you can’t leave the situationship
Sunk-cost bias makes you stay in a relationship because of what you’ve already invested. Here’s the research — and how to tell it from real commitment.
ReferenceThe full bibliography
Every study and expert behind the calculator, with links.