This behavior pattern describes a situation where an individual maintains a relationship with another without making a firm commitment to a deeper, more exclusive bond. An example is a person who consistently engages in communication and spends time with someone, creating an expectation of progression, yet avoids defining the relationship or planning for a shared future.
Understanding this dynamic is crucial for individuals involved, as it can lead to emotional distress, uncertainty, and an imbalance of investment in the relationship. Historically, social norms and gender roles influenced these behaviors, but contemporary factors such as fear of commitment, prioritizing personal freedom, and differing relationship expectations also contribute.