Warning about the ‘sledding’ trend that could ruin your love life this winter

It’s officially cuffing season — the term used to describe how singles hope to bond with the colder season.

But it seems like not everyone is here with pure intentions when it comes to getting into a relationship around Christmas and winter.

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This is because there is a new trend in the dating world: ‘sledding’, which has nothing to do with the innocent activity that brings us so much joy from childhood.

Forget about being pushed down a slope by your mom and dad, because in 2024, the meaning of sledding might just push you over the edge.

Singles from Generation Z are participating in the sledding trend of purposely “dragging someone” during the winter months, while continuing to encounter someone they know they aren’t interested in.

New research from dating app Happn shows that more than one in ten (15%) of single 18-25 year olds continued dating the same person over the festive period, despite not having any real romantic preference.

But things are about to get even more ‘toxic’.

That’s because sledding is not just for single people looking for their next partner, but also for people who are already in a relationship.

In their survey of more than 600 daters, Happn discovered that another 15% of Gen Z have been wanting to end their relationship with their partner for some time.

Despite the feelings, the ‘sleighs’ decided to wait until after Christmas and New Year.

It turns out that a whopping 75% of these people made the decision to separate in November.

However, they have postponed the move until after New Year’s to avoid being alone.

What’s even worse, 25% of so-called ‘sledders’ decided to drag their partner all the way from August until after Christmas.

Now happn’s dating expert Claire Rénier has shared how to keep your sanity in this bizarre ‘red flag’ dating trend.

Claire told me Daily star: “Generation Z should be on the lookout for signs that they are being ‘sledded’ to avoid having their partner stay with them all winter, with the intention of breaking up shortly afterwards.

“This can be toxic and give a warning signal.

‘People should not be treated this way in what should be a loving and trusting relationship.

”It plays with people’s emotions and promotes short-term satisfaction.

“Instead, young people should find more authentic connections with people with shared locations and hobbies.

“This way they can find partners who are genuinely interested in them and maintain a relationship that will last longer than just the winter!”