If you have never heard the dating term “situationship,” 1) consider yourself lucky, and 2) allow us to explain.
The term is used to define a relationship that isn’t, well, defined. It’s less than an established relationship and more than a friendship, though I’d argue “friends with benefits” doesn’t count as a situationship, because that can have clear terms.
“Situationships”, meanwhile, are often characterised by mismatched intention, uncertainty, and frustration. Most daters seem to want to avoid situationships; they are something singles sometimes fall into.
But according to a 2025 survey of 1,000 people in the UK by greetings card marketplace thortful, more and more daters are ending up in situationships. In fact, searches for “situationship quotes for him/her” have doubled on their site.
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Of those in situationships, their survey found these were the most common types:
1) A “talking stage” (37%)
This involves “texting and flirting ending by becoming official or fading out”.
You might never meet a “talking stage” in person. Most of the contact is online or through text and calls: it’s not unlike a “textationship”. These can go on for years with zero IRL contact, and may sometimes lead daters to think their time has been wasted.
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2) An almost-relationship (23%)
In this case, a pair might “act like a couple, but never have the label or commitment”.
In this case, there’s no physical element to the relationship. Instead, a pair might experience a “deep emotional connection” without any commitment or sexual contact.
It can feel like an undecided “flirty friendship” that leaves you with a lot of uncertainty.
4) A convenience situationship (11%)
These “exist due to proximity only”: you might get with someone when you two are close together, but for at least one party, that geographical convenience is the biggest factor in the relationship.
In this case, “you’re filling time until something ‘better’ comes along”, thortful said.
It might involve “Shrekking,” or choosing someone you don’t think is as attractive as you, because you believe that might mean they’ll be grateful for your time. Speaking to HuffPost UK previously, psychologist Dr Carolina Estevez said: “These trends normalise dishonesty and avoidance, eroding trust and self-esteem and lowering relationship satisfaction”.
The two finalists are both on course for an unprecedented quadruple as they’re locked in a battle for the Premier League title, into the fifth round of the FA Cup and the Champions League last 16.
Man City left it until the final matchday of the league phase to confirm a place in the last 16 as surprise defeats to Bayer Leverkusen and Bodo/Glimt left Pep Guardiola’s side needing to beat Galatasaray and results elsewhere going in their favour.
Who will Man City face in Champions League last 16?
Man City’s progression straight through to the last 16 means they have avoided a repeat of last season’s fixture congestion in February, giving them a full week’s rest for Premier League games against Newcastle and Leeds.
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The last-16 draw will take place on Friday, February 27. The first leg of those ties will be played on either March 10 or March 11, with the return fixtures a week later.
As a result of finishing eighth in the league phase, Man City will either face the winners of the knockout phase play-off between the ninth and tenth seeds, or the 23rd and 24th seeds.
Man City finished eighth in the league phase
AFP via Getty Images
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If Man City are drawn onto the silver path, they will face Real Madrid.
Should Real Madrid progress to set up a tenth meeting between the two sides since the 2021-22 season, then Man City will host the second leg at the Etihad Stadium a few days before the Carabao Cup final.
Last month, the former One Direction star sent fans into a frenzy with the release of Aperture, his first single in almost four years, which went straight to number one on the UK Official Singles Chart.
The Grammy-winner also announced a global tour, with dates in Amsterdam, New York, Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Melbourne, and Sydney.
Styles will also perform 12 shows at London’s Wembley Stadium as part of the tour.
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He is set to perform at the Brit Awards on Saturday (February 28) at Manchester’s Co-Op Live, before returning to the venue for an exclusive one-off performance on March 6.
Tickets to Harry Styles’ ‘One Night Only’ show cancelled and refunded
Ticketmaster has confirmed that several £20 tickets for Harry Styles’ ‘One Night Only’ show at Manchester’s Co-op Live on March 6 have been cancelled and refunded.
A statement from Ticketmaster explained: “We’re working with the Harry Styles ‘One Night Only’ team to cancel and refund any orders that have violated the rules of sale.
“As all tickets are non-transferable, any tickets listed on unauthorised resale sites are void and will not get fans into the show – so we’re cancelling and refunding these.
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“There is also a ticket limit of 2 tickets per person, so any orders above that are being cancelled and refunded.”
An update on tickets for Harry Styles ‘One Night Only’
We’re working with the Harry Styles ‘One Night Only’ team to cancel and refund any orders that have violated the rules of sale. pic.twitter.com/H0szH5NQRs
These cancellations come as a result of the unauthorised listing of Harry Styles tickets online, a majority of which appeared on Viagogo.
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Ticketmaster added: “They (Viagogo) have been asked to stop listing tickets, in line with the artist team’s goal of keeping tickets in the hands of fans for no more than £20 (+ fees).
“While we are cancelling all tickets we find listed there, ultimately Viagogo controls what is on their site – meaning listings can remain even after we’ve cancelled them.”
Are tickets still available for Harry Styles’ ‘One Night Only’ show in Manchester?
Any resale tickets will be available on the Ticketmaster website for up to £20 (+ fees).
The ticket sales and distribution company said: “If you’re still looking for tickets, please only buy via Ticketmaster as we cannot protect you on other sites.
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“This is a high-demand show, so resale tickets will be limited.”
The tickets that were cancelled are also set to be reissued to fans.
Ticketmaster continued: “There will not be a new “Request” period or ticket sale – instead a small number of selected fans whose original request wasn’t fulfilled will be invited by email for a chance to purchase these tickets.”
Have you managed to secure tickets to see Harry Styles in either London or Manchester? Let us know in our poll above or in the comments below.
Shortly after 1pm, three ambulances and two police cars attended Deansgate, near the corner of Waterstones.
One ambulance partially blocked the road, preventing a bus from passing through.
Passengers were seen disembarking into the road as emergency crews dealt with the situation.
Emergency services attended the scene on Deansgate (Image: NQ)
Greater Manchester Police confirmed they were called at 1.15pm for what appears to be a “medical episode,” and a man in his 60s was taken to hospital.
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Shoppers gathered nearby while police and paramedics were seen inside the Ladbrokes premises.
A passerby told The Bolton News at the scene: “People are complaining about the bus not being able to get through, but it has to be done in an emergency.
“It looks serious.”
North West Ambulance Service has been contacted for comment.
This overlooked town is perfect for bargain hunters looking for an ideal way to spend an afternoon
Nestled in the shadow of a mountain lies a quaint town that many might overlook. Buckley (or Bwcle in Welsh), located in Flintshire, North Wales, is situated on the A549 road just three miles from Mold, with the stunning Snowdonian mountain range within sight.
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It is just over an hour from Manchester and is a town I’d never considered exploring before, or to be frank, I wasn’t even aware of its existence until my son signed up for ballroom dance lessons at the studio on the main high street. Since then, nearly every Saturday, I’ve had the delight of wandering the small streets, passing the time whilst my son twirls around the dance floor.
It made me realise people are missing out on this charming afternoon filled with charity shops, market stalls and a scrumptious bakery.
Buckley boasts several charity shops, and whilst some view this as a downside, I absolutely adore it.
I’m certainly one of those individuals who relishes finding a bargain, and these secondhand shops are well maintained and well stocked, making them ideal for discovering that perfect picture frame, a lemon squeezer that’s so elusive in high-street stores, or an almost new jumper ready for our wintery weather up north, reports the Express.
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During one of my many last visits last year, my thrifty shopping spree resulted in a novelty toothpick holder, a fantastic old world map in a frame, a beautiful black Wedgewood pot with a lid and a meat thermometer, all for less than £15.
But if charity shop browsing isn’t for you, the Buckley Precinct occasionally hosts a market with stalls from friendly, creative individuals who have handcrafted a range of beautiful items, from key fobs to blankets.
In the Precinct, you will find the butchers, Bistre Farm Shop, who sell a variety of traditional cuts of meat as well as ready-to-eat portions.
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I also tend to pop into this shopping centre for a pot of tea and a cake at Gerrard’s Bakery. The staff are lovely and welcoming, selling delicious sausage rolls, pies, and our favourite ice buns as big as your head.
According to research, people have lived in Buckley since before the Bronze Age, and given the views of the mountains, I am not surprised.
Over the years, it has been an industrial hub for pottery, bricks and coal, and you could spend an afternoon wandering the town with the heritage guide, discovering snippets of history at every turn.
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From the war memorial, St Matthew’s church, the old library, and the swimming baths, Buckley may be small, but it has a big story to tell.
And if you want a bit of entertainment with your history, the Tivoli is the town’s live music venue which first opened in the 1920s as a cinema and theatre.
It has since undergone several updates, and many famous and well-respected musicians have graced its stage over the years, including Oasis in 1994.
New research has revealed that more than a tenth of the country’s drivers have admitted to not taking out breakdown cover.
Nationally, this could add up to nearly six million drivers who are unprotected if they breakdown and need rescuing.
Breakdown cover is a type of insurance that means you get help if your vehicle breaks down.
Estimated six million motorists leave themselves exposed to this one ‘risk’ when driving (Image: NQ)
If you break down and are unable to get your vehicle moving again, a mechanic or trained professional will be sent to help.
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The research, which surveyed over 2,000 people across the UK, shows that young drivers are most likely to put themselves at risk – with 14% of 18 to 24-year-olds admitting they don’t have a breakdown policy.
While the RAC states that breakdown cover is not a legal requirement, the motor experts say it can save drivers time, stress, and help protect drivers from unexpected costs in the event of a breakdown.
If a driver fails to take out breakdown cover, the costs of being rescued at the roadside may be higher – and you may have to wait longer for help.
The data also revealed the areas in the UK where people are most likely to not take out a breakdown cover policy.
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Northern Ireland claims the top spot, with nearly one in four (23%) admitting they don’t have breakdown cover, followed by Wales (16%) and Yorkshire and the Humber (14%).
Tom Banks, Go.Compare car insurance spokesperson, said: “While everyone knows the costs for young drivers can be higher than for those with more experience – and you might not be keen to fork out more money than you have to – going without breakdown cover could cost you more in the long run.
“Cars can break down for a wide number of reasons, whether it’s engine trouble or electrical issues.
“Older cars are popular with young drivers because they can be really affordable – but they’re also more likely to break down.
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“And in the case that you do find yourself stranded at the side of the road, it’s much more expensive if you don’t have cover and have to arrange your own rescue – plus the cost of any repairs.
“It’s surprising to see so many drivers taking the risk of going without breakdown cover – as a single breakdown rescue can easily cost more than having a standard breakdown policy for several years.
“Our research also revealed how people are buying their breakdown policies.
“Over a third (36%) said they opted to get breakdown cover through their car insurer as an add-on.
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“While this is an easy option, we would definitely recommend comparing different breakdown policies – as you’ll often find you can get a better price, or more extensive cover, when you shop around.”
What’s in store for you today? (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
Buckle your seatbelts, as Mercury is officially in Retrograde, this time in Pisces. For the next three weeks, things could feel enshrouded in a mystic haze.
Pisces, Aquarius and Sagittarius, you may feel held up by delays, whether these are domestic, emotional or financial. Don’t give up as a result of these setbacks.
Use this notoriously complex placement as an opportunity to revolutionise the way you communicate. Don’t feel bogged down; discover new routes.
Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Thursday February 26, 2026.
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With Mercury turning retrograde in Pisces, your inner world becomes a misty wonderland for the next three weeks. Logic may take a coffee break while instinct takes the wheel. Get ready, as miscommunications, tech hiccups or dreamlike distractions are likely, especially around old emotions or unfinished creative projects. Slow down, reflect and revisit rather than charge ahead.
Your social circles and goals may enter a state of some confusion. Expect delays, mixed signals or a few surprise reunions with people from your past. Plans may shift, Wi-Fi may wobble and texts might need extra decoding. But there’s gold in the glitch, as Mercury’s rewind phase is a perfect time to reconnect with old dreams, even if things don’t make perfect sense just yet.
Over the coming weeks your sharp mind might be running in lyrical circles. Career plans, public image and big decisions may blur, stall or loop back around for review. It’s less about pushing forward and more about rethinking your path with depth and subtlety. You may have genius epiphanies while daydreaming in the shower. Trust that Mercury’s rewind holds hidden insight.
Your inner explorer may be navigating a misty sea of dreams, beliefs and wavering travel plans. Communication gets confusing around learning, legal matters or long-distance connections. But Mercury’s retro phase isn’t about getting lost, it’s about finding meaning. Revisit old wisdom, spiritual practices or that half-finished novel in your drawer. Deep wisdom is your compass now.
Shared finances, emotional entanglements and unspoken feelings rise to the surface. It’s not the time to sign contracts or deep dive into serious money matters without reading the small print twice. But as Mercury reverses, it’s the perfect moment to reflect, release and rediscover your emotional power. Past loves or buried truths may reappear, asking for closure or a second look.
Over the coming weeks the planet of talk and thought moves backwards, turning your relationships into a confusing painting of emotions, miscommunications and meaningful reconnections. Expect old lovers, past misunderstandings or long-lost texts to resurface. Your usually clear communication may feel foggy, but your instincts are likely spot on, so use them well.
Cosmic messages for Cosmic messages for Virgo today
Libra
September 24 to October 23
Your daily routine might feel more like a surrealist painting than a to-do list. Schedules may blur, emails might disappear and your keys could vanish into thin air. But beneath retrograde chaos can lay a cosmic invitation to rethink how you care for your body, mind and spirit. Revisit old wellness goals, refine your workflow or finally listen to what your intuition’s been whispering.
Your creative waters run deep yet could be disorienting. Old connections, unfinished art or half-written love letters may resurface, needing a review. Romance can get confusing, while your inner muse craves time to wander. This isn’t the moment to force anything. As Mercury regresses, feel your way forward. Imaginative projects and matters of the heart require more time to bloom.
As the planet of communication rewinds through sensitive Pisces for the next three weeks, your inner compass may feel uncertain, especially at home. Family dynamics, emotional roots or domestic plans could also seem hazy, delayed or suddenly resurface from the past. Forget about renovating the kitchen or your relationship with your childhood, instead relax and ruminate.
Emails may get lost, texts misread and directions, whether literal or metaphorical, could get muddled. But there’s a silver lining, as Mercury’s rewind means it’s time to rethink how you speak, listen and connect. Old conversations, forgotten ideas or long-lost contacts may resurface, asking for closure or a new perspective. Don’t rush the reply, let the insights bubble up slowly.
Over the weeks ahead finances, values and your worth might feel wrapped in a dreamy mist. Budget issues, delayed payments or impulse buys involving questionable logic could pop up. But don’t fret, as this is your chance to rethink what truly matters. As Mercury reverses, revisit old talents, dust off abandoned projects and know you’re rich in wisdom, so spend that generously.
Talk and thought Mercury is retraces its steps in your sign for the next three weeks, turning your world into a beautiful, baffling piece of art, nostalgia and even misplaced phone chargers. Expect delays and conversations that drift like seaweed, but also deep insights and second chances. It’s time to slow down and rewrite your own script. Who are you becoming, and which old stories no longer fit?
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It would operate as a ‘community healthcare facility’ with treatments, examinations, and consultations
A specialist medical clinic in a bustling city neighbourhood has been given the green-light by the local council. Cardiff Council has approved plans to turn an out-of-use office building into a community dental practice.
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According to the application the proposal will function as a “community healthcare facility providing examinations, consultations, and treatments within a controlled appointment-based operational model” at 39 The Parade, Roath. In the new clinic patients will be admitted on an appointment basis with arrivals distributed throughout the day. This operation method “minimises traffic peaks, moderates trip generation, and ensures a predictable flow of short-stay visits”.
Planning documents continue: “There is no late-night activity, noise-generating equipment, or high foot traffic comparable to large commercial healthcare facilities.” Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here
According to the proposal it will sustain commercial employment in the building and contribute to Cardiff’s local service economy.
The proposal “represents a beneficial reuse of existing commercial property stock, supporting skilled clinical and administrative roles and contributing positively to community healthcare provision”.
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No external alterations, extensions or demolitions are proposed in the plans, Instead the conversion will “maintain the building’s architectural character” and preserve the “visual coherence of the Parade street scene”.
The surrounding area is characterised by “a concentration of commercial, office, educational, and institutional buildings” with “strong public transport accessibility” and “convenient proximity” to Cardiff Central station.
The planning officer’s report reads: “It is considered that the use would not result in any additional loss of amenity to nearby residents and adjacent business occupiers to that experienced by the existing use in terms of noise or smell and hours of operation, having regard to the nature of the proposed use.”
At the site there is a parking area providing up to six spaces. The application calls this suitable for staff and patient use and that it supports the short-stay visits associated with clinical appointments.
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Additionally the Parade has on-street parking enabling patients to also park there.
The application reads: “The street serves a predominantly commercial function, without residential permit restrictions, thereby facilitating parking turnover that is compatible with the operational characteristics of dental practices.”
According to the application the dental practice will result in no adverse impacts on local traffic due to the “availability of sustainable modes and balanced provision of both on-plot and on-street parking”.
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The officer has been put on the college of policing barred list
A former detective has been dismissed after she “aided and abetted” with an authorised device in a prison. A misconduct hearing was held on February 9 into Detective Constable Zoe Rogers, who was based at Thorpe Wood Police Station in Peterborough for Cambridgeshire Police.
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The hearing found that Rogers was in breach of the standards of professional behaviour in respect of honest and integrity and discreditable conduct. It concluded that she would have been dismissed if she was still a serving officer.
The hearing heard that on October 28, 2025, the former detective accepted a conditional caution, in relation to “aiding and abetting the unauthorised possession of a device inside a prison”.
DC Rogers admitted and took responsibility for it. In determining an outcome, the hearing did “acknowledge the former officer’s contributions to policing” and the her “good work”.
However, the actions taken by Rogers were determined to “undoubtedly undermine public confidence”. As a result, it was ruled the officer would have been dismissed and she was placed on the college of policing barred list.
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Deputy Chief Constable Chris Balmer said: “Police officers are entrusted with significant responsibility, and the public quite rightly expect us to uphold the highest standards of honesty, integrity and professionalism at all times. We will act decisively, as we did in this case, to maintain public confidence.”
Former Norwegian PM Thorbjørn Jagland was hospitalised after being charged with corruption linked to his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, with reports of a ‘suicide attempt’ denied by his legal team
Peter Hennessy and Elizabeta Ranxburgaj
02:04, 26 Feb 2026
A former Prime Minister who was named in the Epstein Files has been rushed to hospital following an alleged suicide attempt.
Former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland was admitted to hospital on Tuesday, 24 February, just days after being charged with serious corruption offences linked to his association with paedophile Epstein.
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Jagland faces charges of “gross corruption” after newly released documents appeared to reveal a transactional relationship between the ex-PM and the convicted paedophile between 2011 and 2018, reports the Mirror.
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Whilst some Norwegian outlets have reported a suicide attempt, the high-profile statesman’s legal team has insisted he was rushed to hospital due to extreme stress rather than a deliberate act.
Documents amongst the millions released in the Epstein Files appeared to show the relationship between the Norwegian politician and the sex offender included requests for diplomatic favours, luxury travel and financial solicitations.
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Norwegian authorities launched an investigation into the relationship and the ex-leader over potential corruption – Jagland admitted “poor judgment”.
The former Prime Minister’s lawyer, Anders Brosveet, rejected claims by some Norwegian outlets, including iNyheter, and strongly denied Jagland had gone through a “suicide attempt”. Brosveet revealed that his client was hospitalised following severe stress and medical complications arising from the criminal investigation and pressure from the media.
Jagland has denied any criminal responsibility and has previously stated his willingness to cooperate with the investigation, according to his legal team.
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Jagland served as Norway’s Prime Minister between 1996 and 1997, and chaired the Norwegian Nobel Committee from 2009 to 2015. The charges against Jagland were brought following the lifting of his immunity from the Council of Europe, which he led between 2009 and 2018.
Documents within the Epstein files appear to indicate that Jagland had planned a family visit to Epstein’s private island in 2014, though this was called off when the paedophile fell ill.
A separate exchange appeared to suggest the former Prime Minister attempted to assist Epstein in securing a bank loan, though it remains unclear whether this was successful, according to Norwegian broadcaster NRK.
Norwegian police have yet to confirm whether this allegation is under investigation. It should be noted that appearing in the Epstein Files does not constitute an accusation of any wrongdoing.
Jagland is not the first high-profile Norwegian figure to feature in the files. Crown Princess Mette-Marit issued a lengthy public apology for her friendship with Epstein following the release of emails exchanged between the two.
The statement read: “I would like to express my deepest regret for my friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. It is important for me to apologise to all of you that I have disappointed. Some of the content of the messages between Epstein and me does not represent the person I want to be. I also apologise for the situation that I have put the Royal Family in, especially the King and Queen.”
**For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email **jo@samaritans. org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
Failures within the system have been known about, and reported on, for years. The BBC has spent more than a decade speaking to bereaved and harmed families following poor care at Morecambe Bay, Shrewsbury & Telford, East Kent, Nottingham, Leeds and a number of other NHS Trusts, gathering evidence of failing maternity services.
