New dating trend 'snowmanning' is when a festive fling melts away over Christmas
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It’s the most wonderful time of year for a festive fling - what with all the romantic Christmas markets, opportunities to cuddle up on the sofa, and encouragement to enjoy a cheeky kiss under the mistletoe.
But beware a new dating trend which sees December flings fizzle out by New Year.
Known as ‘snowmanning’, it is where a cold-weather flirtation melts into nothing once Christmas Day is over.
What’s more, experts have warned that it will happen to over half of us.
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“Christmas is a time for celebration and presents a great opportunity to socialise and find someone special,” explained Rachael Lloyd, relationship expert at dating site eharmony.
"However, once the drinks stop flowing and decorations come down, sometimes that initial burst of chemistry wears off.
“Our research shows that lots of people then retreat from their new relationships, a trend we are coining ‘snowmanning’.
"For those seeking meaningful connections, I’d suggest considering how compatible you are before launching into a Christmas cracker of a fling. That way you’ll avoid hopefully getting burnt."
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The term ‘snowmanning’ is inspired by the 1982 film The Snowman.
In the movie, a boy builds a snowman which comes to life and takes him on a trip to the North Pole.
However, after a day of fun, the snowman thaws - leaving the boy with just the memories of their good times.
It also alludes to ice-cold rejection that may take place in January in order to end a passionate but short-lived festive fling that one person doesn’t want to continue with the other into the new year.
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According to the website, an estimated 53 per cent of people who have been dating this festive season will become victims of ‘snowmanning’ within the next fortnight or so.
It comes as the dating trends set to become big in 2020 were revealed.
Match-making app Plenty Of Fish detailed the romantic pitfalls to beware in the new year.
They include ‘Fleabagging’, inspired by Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s iconic character, where you consistently date people who are unsuitable for you.
According to the dating site, 63 per cent of women have admitted to getting into this bad habit, while 38 per cent of men have been guilty.
Another cruel phenomenon - and one that is mostly affecting singletons in their early 40s - is getting back in touch with an ex to ask for a favour.
Known as ‘Cause-Playing’, it’s usually to ask that former flame to donate to something charity-related, like a marathon, and more often than not involves a Just Giving link.
