An English word that can be translated as “sledding”, sledging is a couple trend linked to the winter season. But what exactly is she hiding?
Keep a relationship… so as not to be alone at Christmas
The Happn application was interested in the concept and surveyed 600 singles aged 18 to 25 to better understand it. The term “sledging” refers to maintaining a relationship during the holiday season while planning to break up once the season is over. Thus, 15% of respondents admitted to not separating from their partner when they no longer like him or her.
Even more disappointing: three-quarters of respondents revealed that they had made the decision to break up in November, but were only going to announce it once the holidays had passed… For 25% of respondents, their desire to separate even dated back to the previous summer!
Why don’t they reveal their intentions before?
Sledging is indeed a toxic trend because if one member of the couple does not reveal their desire to break up, it is for different reasons. Here are the ones:
- For 60%, this allows them to maintain an active sex life;
- For 50%, to benefit from a comforting affection in times of cold;
- For 40%, to escape the feeling of loneliness;
- For 30%, to avoid embarrassing questions about their singleness;
- For 20%, to have a partner to present during festive events.
How do you know if you are a victim of sledging?
Although sledding may seem harmless, in reality the practice can have significant consequences for the victim. Indeed, it can cause emotional injury and undermine self-confidence. To spot a sledging, certain clues can tip you off, according to Claire Renier, romantic relationships specialist for Happn.
- Your plans are only centered around Christmas and New Year. This may be a sign that he or she is not planning further with you;
- Along the same lines, he or she seems distant on subjects involving the future, the emphasis being placed on purely physical exchanges or on immediate presence;
- Your partner doesn’t let you meet his friends, his family. This may mean that your relationship will have no future.
To get to the bottom of it, the solution is to talk about it openly. Having a clear and honest discussion about each other’s expectations and the prospect of a common future can shed light on the real intentions of your other half. To continue your relationship on a healthy basis, while enjoying the magic of the holidays.