Sweethearts Coming Out With ‘Situationship Boxes’

Situationships are going to be big in 2024. Never heard of a "situationship?" It's basically what we called Friends With Benefits when I was growing up. Now, Sweethearts will be joining the craze with Situationship Boxes for Valentine's Day.

The popular heart-shaped candy company is digging into Gen-Z's dating trend of the situationship with limited edition Situationship Boxes. These boxes will reportedly contain hearts with blurry messages with what the company is calling, "sweet, muddled nothings and literal mixed messages."

"Situationship" was one of the top four words of 2023, according to Oxford University Press. It was in the running for word of the year before that went to "Rizz." The word "situationship" picked up steam last year with Gen-Z as more people got involved in romantic relationships without a title or official status attached. It's gone by named like "Friends With Benefits," "No Strings Attached," and more. Now, they're calling it a "situationship."

In a press release, Spangler marketing vice president Evan Brock said, "The printing on Sweethearts isn't always perfect. This is our way of embracing those imperfections in a way that taps into pop culture."

I love the packaging for the product. In a photo provided by Sweethearts at People.com, you can see the tagline "Messages as blurry as your relationship." Then there are the classic hearts with "True Love" and "Only You" written on them, only they're blurry and hard to read--just like situationships.

What's even more genius? The company probably didn't even have to invest much money into this project. Let's be honest, most of the hearts are smudged and hard to read already. They're just repurposing them! That might not be entirely true, but it's brilliant if it is.

The limited edition candy will be available for purchase at SweetheartsCandies.com on January 8th beginning at 9am Eastern.

There can be a lot of pressure and expectations around Valentine’s Day. A great Valentine's Day can be great for a relationship: if handled well, it can take a budding relationship to the next level. Or it can reignite a relationship that is years, or even decades, old.

On the other hand, a poorly executed Valentine's Day can have significant drawbacks, casting a shadow on a relationship. Failing to invest time in planning a meaningful day or falling short of expectations can lead to feelings of disappointment and resentment.

Driver Research reveals that Valentine's Day is celebrated by as many as 52% of consumers. Approximately 224 million roses are grown exclusively for the holiday, and about 3 out of every 10 Americans end up accumulating credit card debt due to their Valentine's Day spending.

Some people set unrealistic expectations for Valentine’s Day, setting themselves up for potential disappointment. But it's important to realize the day is about celebrating love, not showing off.

Another common pitfall is assuming their partners can read their minds about what they want on Valentine’s Day. It’s better to be clear about your wishes to avoid disappointments.

While gifts are always appreciated, it's important to remember that the value lies in the thought and effort behind the gift, not the price tag. Social media can exacerbate this pressure, with people flaunting extravagant gifts and experiences. Every relationship is unique, and there's no need to compare your Valentine’s Day with others.

Additionally, love shouldn't be confined to a single day a year. Consistently expressing love and appreciation throughout the year can alleviate stress associated with Valentine’s Day. Simple, spontaneous gestures, such as leaving a heartfelt note or a surprise gift, can go a long way in making someone feel loved and appreciated.

If you've had a not-so-great Valentine’s Day, learn from it and avoid these common mistakes next time. Take a look at some of the common Valentine’s Day mistakes to steer clear of for a smoother and more enjoyable celebration.

Having no plans, even with good intentions, can make you seem inconsiderate and unmotivated. While it's tempting to resort to last-minute convenience-store flowers or a generic box of chocolates, your partner likely knows you're more creative. Avoid scrambling to find the perfect last-minute Valentine's Day gifts. Instead, have a plan in place, making your partner feel valued with the thought you put into it ahead of time.

Valentine's Day is a peak time for restaurants, spas, and getaways, so avoid waiting until the eleventh hour to snag your spot. Many places fill up weeks or even months before the big day. According to Taste of Home, it's wise to plan and secure a reservation five to six weeks in advance. Mark it on your calendar to avoid any slip-ups. If you realize you forgot, try calling around to see if any restaurants have last-minute openings, or opt for a cozy romantic dinner at home.

Surprises are great, but when you gift your partner chocolate and roses and they surprise you with a trip to Hawaii or a new car, it can be a bit awkward. Although it's uncommon to have such a huge difference in gift budgets, having a quick chat before Valentine's Day can be beneficial. Set some guidelines. Maybe agree on a small budget, like under $20, or consider pooling funds for a more extravagant joint experience.

People often make the mistake of organizing Valentine's Day based on their preferences rather than considering what their partner likes. Avoid overlooking your partner's wishes or desires for the day. If your significant other prefers a cozy night at home over a fancy dinner, make sure your plans align with their preferences.

Even if you're not a big fan of Valentine's Day, your partner might be a total romantic, so don't act like it's just any regular day. You don't have to pull off a huge, fancy gesture every time, but completely ignoring it can be hurtful. Making a little effort shows you care. Complaining about the day doesn't help either. Some people see Valentine’s Day as a bit commercial, but pointing that out or making excuses to ignore it might disappoint your partner. Griping about putting effort into the day can quickly spoil anything special you decide to do for them.

Would you buy these? Let us know in the comments!