STURGIS, S.D. –For those relationships where you’re not quite sure where you stand, there’s now a candy for that. Spangler, the maker of the iconic Sweethearts conversation hearts candy, has something special for those who are caught in the struggles of the dating world this Valentine’s Day.
The newly designed release “Situationship Boxes” showcases blurry and misprinted heart-shaped candies that are intentionally difficult to read — just like some relationships.
The heart-shaped candies company Spangler – in releasing its limited-edition “Situationship Boxes” – said it’s the perfect gift for those in the “talking phase” during the Valentine’s Day holiday.
The boxes are filled with hearts with blurry misprints, or what Sweethearts calls “sweet, muddled nothings to capture what singles are dealing with.”
A situationship is defined by Oxford Languages as a “romantic relationship that is not considered to be formal or established.” The term made the Oxford University Press’ short list for Word of the Year 2023, although it was beat out by “rizz,” the winner.
“Singles are taking ‘situationships’ to the next level this year, and Sweethearts is here for them,” Evan Brock, vice president of marketing for Spangler, said in a release. “The printing on Sweethearts isn’t always perfect. This is our way of embracing those imperfections in a way that taps into pop culture.”
Psychologist Susan Albers at the Cleveland Clinic has defined the newly labeled relationship status.
“Situationships are characterized by a lack of obligation or exclusivity, but the real hallmark is a lack of clear boundaries or labels,” Cleveland Clinic stated on its website.
“There are elements of friendship and romance, but they exist without defining the relationship. So, essentially, you have many of the benefits of a traditional relationship without having to make a commitment.”
Spangler acquired the rights to Sweethearts in 2018 after Necco, the brand that made the original candy declared bankruptcy. Typically a Valentine’s Day candy, they were unavailable in 2019, then returned again in 2020 with original flavors, although some hearts were missing phrases due to damages to the candy’s printing equipment.
