How to Navigate the Festive Dating Scene? Expert Shares Tips and Trends
The festive season is full of cheer, but for those navigating the dating scene - whether single, casually seeing someone, or social media official - it's also a time of unique challenges. Tina Wilson, a leading dating expert and founder of Wingman, knows this all too well. It was her experiences that, in fact, inspired her to create an app where friends help one another find meaningful romantic connections.
This festive season, Tina’s Christmas message highlights the power of friendship and love. Referring to a video posted on Wingman's social media called "Your Wingman," she asks, "Would you use your bestie’s favourite Christmas film to help them find love?" The actions of Louise, the lady in the video, try to help her friend break free from a pattern of poor dating choices by using his favourite film Love Actually to get through to him, as he kept finding himself in superficial relationships instead of real love.
So, what if you’re on the dating scene this holiday season? Tina rounds up the top four dating trends to be mindful of as you enjoy the dating scene this season.
Elf-on-the-Shelf Romance: 'Elf-on-the-Shelf Romance' is a new dating term for Gen Z's experience of being unexpectedly left on the dating shelf. Just when things seem to be going great between the two of you, you find yourself suddenly and quietly dumped—akin to “quiet dumping,” but with a more brutal twist. This unexpected turn of events can be especially harsh since you thought everything was going in only one direction. You even made it social media official and shared the news with all your friends. You feel like a new toy that’s been carelessly tossed aside by a child, but instead, it’s your feelings that are being neglected. Confusion and hurt mix with the embarrassment of it all, particularly during the winter months filled with social gatherings, where questions about your relationship status and what happened arise. Your closest friends will be quick to point out that you’ve become the “elf left on the shelf,” a play on words for the negative dating experience this time of year.
Gingerbreading: When you tease all of your senses and become flirtatious to pick up dates this winter, the aim is to embrace the season and all the festivities and winter glory it brings to the maximum. Craving the warmth of mulled wine by an open fire, having fun and laughter ice-skating, or taking long walks in the park on a frosty beautiful morning are meticulously planned by a Gingerbreader. Unfortunately, as likely expected, when the winter period is over, they will leave a trail of crumbs in their path as they move on without warning.
Snow Storming: Snow Storming is a winter dating trend that is an offshoot of the cobwebbing trend, where you mentally and physically clear out the cobwebs and cut ties with former lovers, but Snow Storming goes one step further. A snow stormer won’t just let go of old flames and declutter their life of past toxic relationships; they actively "let go" of their current relationship too. There is no desire to get back with an ex and would rather risk not having a serious relationship over the winter and Christmas season until they find the right partner to settle down with. Being a snow stormer is easier said than done and does take some courage at this time of year when the majority of daters prefer to be coupling up by this point. By coming out the other side, the snow stormer will hopefully feel empowered and have the freedom to date other people once they feel ready. It can be very cathartic if done for the right reasons, giving you a clean slate to begin your romantic journey afresh. A successful snow stormer will make a clean break, and after the storm has passed, they will move on to happier and brighter times.
Tinselling: Tinselling is when a couple both ignore and even conceal the cracks in their relationship in the run-up to the holidays and winter festivities. They choose to maintain a façade of harmony and togetherness, all while overlooking unresolved problems in the relationship. The name draws inspiration from the shiny, cheerful veneer of tinsel, which is used to decorate during the festive season, covering what is beneath. Couples will use Tinselling in dating as a deliberate distraction until January, when they will likely need to sit down and chat about their relationship, with a break-up pending as they wish to start the year fresh.
Dating Tips: Navigating the dating scene this Christmas is all about balancing fun and sincerity. Do embrace the festive spirit by suggesting fun activities like ice skating, attending Christmas markets, or even watching classic Christmas films together. Just keep it lighthearted and relaxed, while staying true to yourself. Above all, remember to communicate openly about your intentions, whether you're looking for something casual or something serious, and respect each other's boundaries. If something isn't sitting right, talk to a friend who can give you impartial advice at a time when you need a trusted voice and has your best interests at heart.'