Should You Get A Valentine's Gift For Your Situationship?

The Olympics of expectations is making its way in the second month of 2026. Of course, it is Valentine's Day. The one day a year when even the most emotionally unavailable and reserved people suddenly develop opinions about flowers and chocolates. And if you're in a situationship- that delicate purgatory where you're more than friends but not really a couple...the day hits oddly different.

You're not single. But you are not taken. You're perceivably involved. And on ordinary days for most people, the independence and spontaneity that comes with a situationship is considered refreshing and exciting. But come Valentine's Day and it makes event the chillest dudes spiral.

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Suddenly, you're left to wonder if doing something nice would be a kinder to your situationship even though it doesn't feel romantic. While traditional relationships come with that presumed expectation of what February 14 might look like unless the couple explicitly mentions their hatred for it; the V-Day whatever way you are celebrating the idea of love - romantic, platonic - attaches itself to the prescribed rituals of romantic dinner, candles, lingerie, and chocolates, a special gift for special someone.

Contrary to that, situationships allow the dynamics to be footloose since no labels work and things are a little more than hooking up with a random stranger. And this is where for many people, not doing something nice on Valentine's Day feels a little rude. Ideally, you'd like to celebrate love (if you were in love) with your partner but there is no certainty to your current ship.

So, should you get your situationship a Valentine's gift this year?

Do You Know Your Intentions?

Even if you are clear in your head about how you feel about the person you are vibing casually with and assuming it sis casually only, men are usually play defense so their niceness is not misinterpreted. And the day is dangerously symbolic, so buy something that falls under the safe zone. Or, none at all if you are too unsure yourself.

The easiest way to figure out if gifting on Valentine's day is a good idea is to check your intentions. Seriously. If you believe it will probably lead toward something that sounds like a commitment, best not get anything. Unless, you want to take up a notch and move to the next level of this arrangement, don't confuse them.

If a gift is stirring more serious feelings, then have a conversation first. Be upfront about it rather than leaving them in quandary. The gift can always wait. Know, that you put yourself in the situation because situationships are about putting yourself and your needs first and not involving your emotions.

Having said that, while a simple greeting card on the day can feel like you are harmless and expression of generosity, exchanging gifts can be messy especially if its giving the other the impression that you have become a little sentimental than expected of you. Our brain is wired to attach meaning to even the less significant gestures as well.

So, if you are wondering whether gifts for situationship could be a harmless gesture of appreciation, know that gifts are out of question at this stage of knowing one another. Take this as a reminder as to why it is a terrible idea and to avoid f-ing up things for yourself.