Why more young couples are opting to be in a 'situationship'

When it comes to relationships, people often try to avoid the grey in-between period of "are we in a relationship" or "are we keeping it casual"?

But new research suggests young daters are actually comfortable leaning into that unclear middle ground.

Today relationship expert, Melissa Ferrari said young people, particularly Generation Z, are prioritising who they want to be a lot more and opting to be in "situationships" instead of taking a more traditional approach to dating.

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"Relationships are still important but it's flipped a little where it's not just like 'I have to meet someone, fall in love and live happily-ever-after,'" she said.

"There is a lot more open-mindedness in how we're approaching things.

"They're focused on who they want to be and they don't want a relationship to hold back the trajectory of where they could go."

Ferrari said a "situationship" is about conscious thinking, something a lot more people are actively doing and all ages can apply it to their life and relationships.

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However, there are some guidelines to ensure you don't end up in a "friends with benefits" situation.

"It needs to be contractual. You need to discuss it well, because someone will get hurt if you develop feelings," she said.

"It's important to be able to forecast whether that could happen and discuss it."

Ferrari said a "situationship" will work with good communication and maturity, but it does take a bit of commitment and thinking ahead.

"You're looking out for each other's feelings - overall, it's conscious thinking, navigating and checking in with each other on a daily basis."

Watch the full segment with Ferrari above

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