This concept of a “situationship in marriage” is increasingly visible among elite and affluent families in India, where money is not a concern and both partners are financially independent.
In such households, life often runs smoothly on the surface, with luxury, comfort, and social status intact.
Some film stars and public figures, known to the world, are also believed to be part of such emotionally distant marriages.
What was once limited to the upper class is now slowly spreading to the next level of society as well.
Marriage in India is traditionally seen as a lifelong bond built on commitment, family values, and shared responsibilities. However, this new emotional gap is quietly emerging within many relationships.
A situationship in marriage means the relationship exists legally, but the emotional connection feels weak or unclear.
Couples may live under the same roof, yet feel like mere roommates.
This situation is becoming more common in urban India, where busy work schedules, stress, and changing expectations affect relationships. Many couples avoid deep conversations, which slowly creates distance.
Some testimonials of those who are in situationship are taken and the names are changed here, respecting their privacy and choice.
Ravi, a 34-year-old IT company owner, shares, “We are married for six years, but we hardly talk beyond daily needs. It feels like we are just managing life, not living it together. She is the owner of a design studio. We have two children.But me and my partner have clear agreement,not to question each others' choices, including travel, friends, relationships or any kind”.
Similarly, Anjali, a homemaker, says, “There is no big fight, no major issue, but there is no closeness either. It feels empty, and I don’t know how to explain it. Ireally don't feelpossessive of him and neither he does. That in place, we mutually don't cross borders of tradiotional marriage system”
In Indian society, marriage is rarely questioned openly. Family pressure, children, and social image often keep couples together even when emotional bonding is missing. Many hesitate to seek help or even admit that something is wrong.
Kiran, a young professional, puts it simply, “We are married, but it doesn’t feel like a partnership. Something is missing, but we just continue for the sake of children's marriage. Once they get married, I may choose to lead rest of my life away from my husband, probably at the Isha Center. My husband has penchant for Arunachalam and he may go there”
"Situationship is indeed the best thing, but misunderstood. It's the true detachment in attachment as the wise men say. We live together, but not emotionally attached. We don't exercise any right on each other. We don't judge each other. Yet, we are a legal couple and never think of getting divorced", said Amarjeet, who got married 10 years ago.