For 20-something Natasha Ginnivan, love was a marathon, not a sprint. She's had two marriages in her early twenties and now, in her mid-life, she's found herself entangled in a "situationship" with someone who defies traditional relationship norms.
In 2020, Ginnivan met her current partner on a dating app, bonding over shared connections and a similar sense of humor. Their initial dates were low-key, with antique-trawling for vintage crockery serving as a catalyst for a more intimate connection. But it wasn't until months later that things became... uncertain.
"We've been together ever since," Ginnivan writes, "but I'd call it a 'situationship' rather than an official relationship." The term has gained traction in recent years to describe relationships with unclear boundaries, and for Ginnivan, it fits her situation perfectly. They live separate lives, with separate households and finances, making their arrangement more akin to a long-distance partnership than a traditional one.
When asked about the label, Ginnivan notes that while she identifies with the term's association with non-commitment, her relationship doesn't necessarily feel insecure or uncertain. Instead, it's more of a "we'll take it as it comes" approach, with trips and vacations together being a highlight, but also acknowledging their individual pursuits.
Ginnivan has come to accept that this arrangement might not be for everyone, but it works for her. With two previous marriages under her belt – one at 24 and another at 28 – she's developed a more nuanced view of love and relationships. "Maybe there is something to be said for living apart but together as a couple," she reflects.
As she navigates this unconventional partnership, Ginnivan finds herself embracing the idea that relationships evolve over time. With menopause redefining her perspective on what works best in partnerships, she's starting to see her current arrangement as a vital chapter in her life journey – one that might not conform to traditional expectations but is uniquely hers nonetheless.
In 2020, Ginnivan met her current partner on a dating app, bonding over shared connections and a similar sense of humor. Their initial dates were low-key, with antique-trawling for vintage crockery serving as a catalyst for a more intimate connection. But it wasn't until months later that things became... uncertain.
"We've been together ever since," Ginnivan writes, "but I'd call it a 'situationship' rather than an official relationship." The term has gained traction in recent years to describe relationships with unclear boundaries, and for Ginnivan, it fits her situation perfectly. They live separate lives, with separate households and finances, making their arrangement more akin to a long-distance partnership than a traditional one.
When asked about the label, Ginnivan notes that while she identifies with the term's association with non-commitment, her relationship doesn't necessarily feel insecure or uncertain. Instead, it's more of a "we'll take it as it comes" approach, with trips and vacations together being a highlight, but also acknowledging their individual pursuits.
Ginnivan has come to accept that this arrangement might not be for everyone, but it works for her. With two previous marriages under her belt – one at 24 and another at 28 – she's developed a more nuanced view of love and relationships. "Maybe there is something to be said for living apart but together as a couple," she reflects.
As she navigates this unconventional partnership, Ginnivan finds herself embracing the idea that relationships evolve over time. With menopause redefining her perspective on what works best in partnerships, she's starting to see her current arrangement as a vital chapter in her life journey – one that might not conform to traditional expectations but is uniquely hers nonetheless.
their relationship might be unconventional but its real 2 them, who r we 2 decide wether or not it works? ive had friends in similar "situationships" & they seem happy as hell, so why cant natasha b too? i think its great she's found a way 2 make it work 4 her, regardless of what others think 
menopause might change ur perspective but dont forget its also about finding love in unexpected places 
. Like, how does it work for her? She's had two marriages already and now this... is she just trying out different vibes? 
And I love how she says it's not insecure or uncertain, but more like a chill, "we'll take it as it comes" thing 
. But what about when the going gets tough? Does she know if she can navigate that together with her partner? 
also love that she's embracing the uncertainty & just rolling with it, maybe she'll be the one to show us all that non-traditional relationships can actually work out in the end 
. And love comes in many forms, right? 
And I can see why she'd want the freedom to live separate lives - it sounds like they both have their own thing going on. 
Still, I think it's cool that she's owning her choices and finding what works for her. Menopause is no joke, so if she knows what she wants now, more power to her! 
. I mean, two marriages at 24 & 28? That's like, a lot of experience 
. It's refreshing to see someone who's like, "Hey, this works for me, and that's all that matters." Less drama, more chill vibes 
. Can't we just own it and say what we mean? 
! Maybe we can learn from Natasha's experience that love doesn't have to fit a certain mold or timeline – it's all about finding what makes you happy 
.
. People often talk about the importance of labels, but sometimes its just more complicated than that 
. Idk if Im sold on the idea of a "we'll take it as it comes" approach though - like doesnt that kinda sound like youre not fully invested in each other? 
. Who says love has to be a traditional, fairy-tale-esque thing? Natasha's got some wisdom in those words – especially when it comes to embracing change and finding what works for YOU 
.
I'm here for it! Like, I get it, relationships are weird and we're all just figuring it out as we go. But Natasha seems to be owning this "situationship" vibe and making it work for her, which I'm kinda jealous of 
And honestly, who are we to judge? If she's happy, that's all that matters 
. Like, what makes someone think "oh yeah, I'll just swipe left on labels and see where this goes"? Is it the dating app magic or what? 
. doesn't that just say she's still figuring it out? 