{
  "id": 6439724,
  "title": "‘There’s something there, but I don’t know where it’s going’: You might be in a ‘maybelationship’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/theres-something-there-but-i-dont-know-where-its-going-you-might-be",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-09T16:30:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express - Lifestyle",
    "slug": "the-indian-express-lifestyle",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/feelings/maybelatership-we-dating-just-waiting-find-out-10865587/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A maybelationship, also known as a maybelatership, is a state of undefined dating dynamics where two individuals remain friends with benefits, attached without officially being in a relationship. This ambiguous situation can leave both parties emotionally entangled, with neither person clearly stating their intentions. Damini Grover, a counselling psychologist and life coach, explains that while there may be attraction, emotional intimacy, and relationship-like behaviors, there is no clear understanding of what the two people are building together.\n\nThis type of relationship thrives on the 'maybe' zone, where the progression seen in slow-burn relationships is absent. People often find themselves in a maybelationship due to the emotional complexity and the fear of commitment. Dr. Chandni Tugnait, a psychotherapist and life alchemist, points out that deciding to commit can feel riskier than staying undefined, as it means closing the door on all other alternatives. This uncertainty allows people to maintain a close connection without the pressure of making a permanent decision.\n\nAdditionally, avoiding commitment is perceived as safer than facing potential rejection. The ambiguity also offers protection against the pain of being directly rejected, which is often more devastating than drifting apart amicably. It is a relationship that requires minimal accountability, yet still provides warmth and attention, making it an attractive option for some. However, for those with past painful relationship experiences, the fear of commitment persists, making them hesitant to commit to anything new.\n\nWhile uncertainty can be liberating, too much can lead to anxiety about the relationship's future. Damini notes that when one partner craves consistency and commitment, the initial uncertainty can turn into anxiety. The unpredictability of such a relationship can also cause individuals to focus excessively on the connection, focusing on the inconsistencies in affection or communication. Ultimately, the decision to enter a maybelationship is often influenced by the desire for a low-pressure connection, while the potential anxiety stems from the inability to define the future.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Maybelationships are undefined dating dynamics.",
    "Emotional entanglement without clear intentions.",
    "Fear of commitment drives people to maybelationships."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express",
        "title": "‘There’s something there, but I don’t know where it’s going’: You might be in a ‘maybelationship’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/theres-something-there-but-i-dont-know-where-its-going-you-might-be-6445593",
        "published": "2026-09-09T16:30:44.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}