Dating expert issues warning over new ‘sledging’ trend that could ruin your love life this winter – & it’s super ‘toxic’
IT’S officially cuffing season – the term used to describe how singletons hope to get coupled up for the colder season.
But it looks like not everyone is here with pure intentions when it comes to getting into a relationship around Christmas and winter.
This is because there’s a new trend in the dating world – ”sledging”, which has got nothing to do with the innocent activity that brings us so much joy from childhood.
Forget getting pushed down a slope by your mum and dad as, in 2024, the meaning of sledging might push you over the edge.
Gen Z singletons are taking part in the sledging trend where they purposely ”drag someone along” over the winter months, continuing seeing a person they know they’re not interested in.
New research by dating app Happn found that over one in ten (15%) of single 18-25 year olds continued to keep dating the same person over the festive season, despite not actually fancying them on a romantic level.
But things are about to get even more ”toxic”.
That’s because sledging is not only for singletons looking for their next partner to be wary of – but also for those already in a relationship too.
Happn discovered that in their research of more than 600 daters that a further 15% of Gen Z have wanted to end things with their partner for some time.
Despite the feelings, the ”sledgers” decided to wait to do so until after Christmas and New Year.
It turns out that a staggering 75% of these people made the decision to break up in November.
However, they’ve delayed the move until after the New Year to avoid being alone.
What’s worse, 25% of the so-called ”sledgers” decided to drag their partner all the way from August to after Christmas.
Now happn’s dating expert Claire Rénier has shared how to keep your wits about you in this bizarre “red flag” dating trend.
Claire told Daily Star: “Gen Z should look out for signs that they’re being ‘sledged’ to avoid their partner staying with them just through the winter, with intention to break up soon after.
“This can be toxic and a red flag.
“People shouldn’t be treated this way in what should be a loving and trusting relationship.
Top reasons for sledging:
- To have someone to have sex with (60%)
- To have someone to cuddle with when it’s cold (50%)
- To avoid feeling lonely in this magical time of year (40%)
- To avoid answering questions about being single (30%)
- To have someone to bring to Christmas and New Year’s parties (20%)
”It plays with people’s emotions and fosters short-term satisfaction.
“Instead, young people should find more authentic connections with people with shared locations and hobbies.
”This way they can find partners that are genuinely interested in them and sustain a relationship to last beyond just the winter!”