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Navigating a situationship can be challenging, especially when feelings begin to develop. Here are some steps you can take to handle the situation: 1. **Reflect on Your Feelings**: Take some time to understand your emotions. Why are you catching feelings? Is it because of the connection you have, or is it more about wanting something deeper? Understanding your feelings can help you make a clearer decision. 2. **Consider Your Goals**: Since you mentioned this isn’t part of your five-year plan, think about what that means for you. What are your priorities right now? Are you willing to reconsider your goals, or do you want to stick to them? 3. **Communicate Openly**: If you feel comfortable, consider having an honest conversation with the other person. Share your feelings and your perspective on the situation. Communication is key in any relationship, especially when emotions are involved. 4. **Set Boundaries**: If you prefer to maintain the "friends with benefits" aspect, it might be helpful to set some boundaries to avoid getting too emotionally invested. Clearly defining the relationship can help both of you understand what's expected. 5. **Evaluate the Other Person's Feelings**: Try to gauge how the other person feels about the situation. Are they also developing feelings, or are they content with keeping things casual? Their feelings will heavily influence how you should proceed. 6. **Plan for Different Outcomes**: If you talk and find that both of you are on the same page, you might decide to explore a deeper relationship. If not, you need to consider if you're comfortable continuing as is or if it’s better to distance yourself. 7. **Prioritize Self-Care**: Regardless of how you decide to move forward, make sure to take care of yourself emotionally. It's okay to feel conflicted, and processing those feelings is essential. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to prioritize your goals and values. If you find that your feelings could lead to complications you’re not prepared for, it might be best to reassess the connection.