Piece by: PAUL AMUKO

07 July 2023

• Why Gen Z, the generation known for their pragmatic approach to love and intimacy, is opting for this undefined middle ground between casual dating and committed partnerships.

In today's dating landscape, traditional notions and norms of committed relationships are being challenged by a new phenomenon known as "situationships."

So why is Gen Z, the generation known for their pragmatic approach to love and intimacy opting for this undefined middle ground between casual dating and committed partnerships?

As societal attitudes towards relationships continue to evolve, Gen Zers are re-framing what love and intimacy mean to them, diverging from the relationship milestones of previous generations.

A situationship is an informal arrangement that combines emotional and physical connections without the conventional expectations of exclusivity or long-term commitment.

It allows individuals to satisfy their desires for intimacy, and companionship without the pressure to define the relationship's future.

In modern day Kenya situationships have gained significant popularity among Gen Zers, reflecting their desire for connection without the constraints of traditional relationship structures.

The rise of situationships can be seen across ethnicities, genders, and sexual orientations, indicating a global interest in this grey area of romance.

Social media platforms like TikTok have become a breeding ground for discussions and stories about situationships, with millions of views and engagement from young daters.

It has become a common topic of conversation among Gen Zers, who resonate with the idea of living in the in-between.

One of the key reasons for the surge in situationships is their divergence from the traditional relationship escalator.

Gen Zers are challenging the notion that being with someone without a defined future is a waste of time.

Instead, they willingly opt for the undefined nature of a situationship, embracing the freedom it offers.

Gen Zers are more reluctant to define relationships or express their desires for progression, preferring to keep their options open.

While situationships provide a middle ground between casual and committed relationships, they are not without challenges.

Communication and alignment of priorities become crucial in these arrangements, as individuals may have different expectations and desires for the future.

Uncertainty can arise when one person is ready for a committed relationship while the other fears change and avoids discussing their intentions.

The emergence of situationships reflects the shifting attitudes of Gen Z towards love and intimacy. Rather than prioritizing long-term commitments, they prioritize personal trajectories, focusing on education, career goals, and financial stability.

The chaotic nature of the modern world, including the impact of the pandemic and social, economic and political upheavals at the moment, has led many young people in Kenya to seek stability in their personal lives before committing to relationships.

Finding a 'Mbabaz' or a 'Mumamaz' which is super controversial according to Kenyan traditions and norms has ever since been on the trajectory to normalization, embraced by many Gen Z's as lucrative way of staying in shape amidst the current financial hardships in the country.

The idea of a situationship has created a web of relationships diversified by age gender to mutual agreements.

They diversify the options available, allowing individuals to navigate the complexities of modern dating without sacrificing personal goals.

It's a re-framing of love and intimacy that suits the busy lifestyles of Gen Zs In a world where dating has become chaotic and confusing.

Whether this trend will continue to shape the future of relationships or evolve into something entirely new, only time will tell. But at the moment, Gen Z is embracing the undefined and finding satisfaction in the murky middle ground.