So here’s the thing – love (or whatever we’re calling it now) doesn’t look like it used to. Forget the old-school “will you be my boyfriend/girlfriend?” and holding hands at the school dance. Now we’ve got situationships, soft launches, and ghosting. And honestly? Half the time I don’t even know if we’re dating or just sending memes back and forth until one of us disappears.
Situationships – The “Almost” Relationship
If you’ve been talking, texting, maybe even hanging out, but you’re “not official” — congrats, you’re in a situationship.
It’s fun… until it’s not. Because no labels = no clarity. And no clarity = confusion + overthinking + the occasional “what are we?” spiral at 2 a.m.
Advice:
If you’re okay keeping it casual, cool. But if you’re catching feelings and it’s messing with your head, have the talk. Yes, it’s awkward. But being stuck in relationship limbo is worse.
Soft Launches – Love, But With Filters
A soft launch is when someone subtly shows their new relationship online without fully revealing it. Think: posting a photo of two iced coffees, one mysterious arm, or a “date night” plate of pasta with no tags.
It’s kind of fun and mysterious, but it can also be about control — showing just enough to spark curiosity without committing to going public.
Advice:
If you’re the one soft launching, ask yourself: am I protecting my privacy, or am I keeping my options open? If someone’s doing it with you, be honest about how you feel. Not everyone likes being the mystery date forever.
Ghosting — The Silent Exit
You’re talking every day… then suddenly, nothing. No explanation, no goodbye, just gone. Ghosting sucks because it leaves you hanging with a hundred questions.
Advice:
If someone ghosts you, remember it says more about them than you. They chose the easy way out instead of a real conversation. Your worth isn’t determined by someone who couldn’t even send a text. And please — don’t ghost unless there’s a safety reason. Closure is a kindness.
Trends I’ve Noticed Lately
Here’s what I’m seeing among teens right now:
- Private Relationships: More people are keeping things off social media entirely to avoid drama.
- Situationship Breakups: People are actually “breaking up” with someone they were never “official” with — because it still hurts.
- Texting Over Talking: Deep conversations happen in DMs way before they happen face-to-face.
- Snapchat Streaks as Love Language: If the streak dies, so does the “relationship.”
How to Survive Modern Love
- Know what you want before you get attached.
- Communicate like an adult — yes, even if you’re 16.
- Don’t make social media your relationship therapist.
- Protect your peace — if it’s giving you more anxiety than joy, walk away.
Love in the age of DMs is messy. It’s blurry lines, unread messages, and wondering if their “goodnight” Snap was sent to three other people. But here’s the truth: the right connection will never leave you confused. If it’s meant for you, it’ll feel clear. And you won’t have to decode their posts to know where you stand.
