What Is Textationship? How Is It Different From A Relationship?

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Dating can be daunting and challenging and you are not alone in it! While Gen Z is taking over the world by exploring new avenues when it comes to partnerships and dating, the era 'no strings attached' is making modern dating quite complex. Therefore, forging genuine romantic connections with someone has become uncommon.

While the honeymoon phase of the relationship in online dating looks exciting and full of thrill, as soon as it comes off, there is confusion and a lack of romantic interest, many opt for therapy to have a clear idea of where they stand in a relationship.

No, we have not lost the ability to bond or communicate, but the dating scenario has taken a new turn for sure. The dating world is buzzing with new terms like soft launching, benching, ghosting, and more, the latest one to join the trend is 'textationship'.

A 2019 study published in Communication Studies found that relationships that include meeting someone in person result in better relationship quality than primarily text-based relationships. 'Textationships can be addictive in their own right, enabling you to fantasize about a 'mystery' person without knowing much about them. The boost of excitement kicks in when you receive their text notification and your imagination fills in the blanks,' said the study.

Smartphones and their texting capabilities are having an impact on many aspects of modern living, including romantic relationships though very little research currently exists, mentioned an exploratory qualitative study of intimate text-based relationships by Jennifer Ann Smith, Kansas State University.

What Is Textationship?
It is a kind of relationship that is entirely based on texting and there is little or no face-to-face interaction. This kind of romance begins in online dating and continues forever.
While texting is the go-to mode of communication when it comes to modern dating, however, relying only on texts when it comes to romantic relationships can be noxious. There is no way you can forge a good connection if you do not test the waters with a new date. This will lead to dissatisfaction once the rosy feeling wears off in your relationship.

Here are three ways to escape from a textationship.

1. Schedule Calls Instead Of Sending Texts Always
While phone calls are becoming almost obsolete in the era of texting, when it comes to making significant decisions in your life, especially deciding on a romantic partner, meeting in person is essential and necessary. Texts cannot help you decide if the chemistry is right. When you see verbal and non-verbal signs such as facial expressions and kinesic (movement) cues, only then meaningful connections are forged and misunderstandings kept at bay. Therefore, it can be a turning point in your relationship.

2. Re-evaluate And Mention Your Needs Clearly
Even though texting someone regularly, 24/7 may seem like both partners are on the same page, but it is not always so. If you didn't share your needs or expectations with that person clearly then probably you are not in a healthy relationship, but textationship. So, hopping into a relationship thinking that your partner is in for a bigger commitment can be disastrous and spoil the existing dynamic. Therefore, it is best to make your intentions clearly known to your partner.

3. Go With Your Own Timeline
If you are too upset for being too complacent in a textationship, then it is high time that you need to set boundaries and create a timeline of your own which will cater to your expectations and needs. If your partner is not willing to meet in person, attend phone calls or make themselves available, then it will prove that your expectations are not aligned. Therefore, it will give you clarity as to whether or not to take your relationship further.

There is no way textationship can be the foundation of a legitimate, healthy relationship and it is bound to fail sooner or later. One way to get out of it is by reducing the frequency of texts, and mentioning your partner about the dealbreakers for you in a relationship. This will give clarity and not create confusion as to whether take this relationship forward or close this chapter forever.