AS the weather turns colder, it can be tempting to spend all your time on romantic activities.
Whether it’s going ice-skating together, exploring Christmas markets or jetting off on a luxury getaway – these festive date activities could actually be ruining your happiness.
With Christmas coming only once a year, there can be a lot of pressure for the festive season.
Though we might be tempted to recreate The Holiday in real life and compete with your bestie who has just gotten engaged, this can actually have dire consequences for your relationship.
Whilst you might get some picture perfect moments for social media, festive dates can often cover up the issues between you and your partner.
Even worse, it can also put extra pressure on already stressed out couples leading to arguments over gifts, what to do on your weekends and excessive spending.
If you find yourself feeling less loved up at this time of year, you aren’t alone either.
According to relationship expert, Tina Wilson term is even a term for this less than festive feeling: Tinseling.
Just as you use tinsel to cover any gaps on a Christmas tree, the same applies for these Christmassy dates – which often stop couples from realising they’ve hit a rough patch.
In an interview with Tyla, she said: “The name draws inspiration from the shiny, cheerful veneer of tinsel which is used to decorate during the festive season, covering what is beneath.”
The Wingman App founder, who coined the term, is now warning others about just how dangerous the dating trend can be.
She later told the outlet that couples will ‘choose to maintain a facade of harmony and togetherness’.
Sadly, those that end up doing this will often ignore warning signs in their relationship and this can cause more problems in the New Year.
In fact, couples will often delay vital conversations because of the festive season.
Tina pointedly added: “A break up will be pending as they wish to start the year fresh’.
This trend has become so common that lawyers have dubbed the first Monday of the year ‘divorce day’, with a surge of couples seeking legal advice about ending their marriage.
Whilst we can’t guarantee your love will last a lifetime, The Sun’s Agony Aunt Sally Land does has some advice about how to keep the peace this Christmas.
First on her list is prioritising things you and your partner actually want to do, rather than living for those Kodak moments.
Rather than spending money on lavish gifts, it might be better to spend your weekends watching a festive film and having a lie in.
Sally says to pick at least two things and discuss them with your loved one, before making a plan of action together.
It’s also okay to not accept every invite you receive, especially if you or your other half are feeling burnt out over the festive period.
Let yourselves recharge so you can enjoy Christmas together and your relationship lasts beyond the New Year.
If you are still feeling a little less loved up than usual, Sally has even more festive advice for couples here.
