What in the World - Are maybelaterships the new situationships?

Download Are maybelaterships the new situationships?

You've heard of a situationship. Now meet its chaotic cousin: the ‘maybelatership'. It's when someone says they want a relationship... just not right now.

So are more people putting commitment on hold? How do you know if you're in a ‘maybelatership’? And what does this latest dating trend tell us about modern dating?

Chelsea Coates from the What in the World team explains how ‘maybelaterships’ differ from situationships, why they can leave one person stuck in limbo, and whether they can ever become healthy, committed relationships. We also hear from a dating coach on how to communicate your expectations and avoid waiting around for someone might not want to commit.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
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Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: James Beardsworth, Ash Mohamed and William Lee Adams
Video Producer: Baldeep Chahal
Editor: Verity Wilde

Published on Thursday, 9th July 2026.

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