Relationship Tips: Are You In A Transitional Relationship?

Transitional relationships occur when a person has left what was a serious relationship and is not immediately looking for that special someone. But in the meantime, if they meet someone they can get along reasonably well with, and can basically tolerate, they will stick around until someone better comes along. Therefore, the relationship is a transitional relationship and it will “work” until they find someone else with whom they want to have a special relationship.

Why would someone be willing to settle for “just” someone when they know there is no hope that the relationship will progress beyond a certain point? It’s simple … they don’t want to be alone.

Why would a transitional relationship be attractive to someone? Because a person could have been involved in a long-term relationship, or one that was shorter in duration but very serious, just to see it end. This particular person wants to have another serious relationship at some point, but in the meantime, they certainly don’t want to rush into anything. This “provisional” relationship solves the problem for them.

How do you know if you are in a transitional relationship (even if the obvious signs are not enough evidence)? Here are some guidelines to show if you are in a transitional relationship. If any of these apply, you are in one:

1. You’re in this just for the intimacy. There is nothing substantial in the relationship. You just like to hang out with them for fun and then at the end of the “date” you’re done with them until the next date. There are no emotional ties of any kind.

2. This is someone you already knew. It can be a friend, a close friend, or even someone with whom you’ve had a previous relationship. Again, you are only interested in what you can get out of this particular relationship when you are around them. You have no desire to go through with this for a significant period of time.

3. The person you are with now … is like you. They are also just looking for a transitional relationship. It really makes perfect sense for both of you, as each of you now knows exactly what to expect from the relationship, well in advance; then no one has to get hurt.

Four. This person is not someone you would be proud to introduce to your family or to any of your friends. This is why details about the relationship, and often even the existence of the relationship itself, are kept secret from most. Neither of you wants attention: especially from family members and close friends.