Snow-Globing: The Disappointing Post-Holiday Dating Trend, Explained

We've all heard of various toxic dating trends, such as the age-old "ghosting" and another version called "zombieing," which is when a former ghost-er metaphorically comes back to life and attempts to squirm their way back into yours. In the age of dating apps and social media, which can also act as a means to potentially meet your match, finding a partner is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Moreover, while going the traditional route like meeting someone at a coffee shop or gym can be more authentic and fulfilling, those don't always pan out since they're typically random encounters.

That's why it's so thrilling when you finally find someone, especially around the holidays. After all, going to family dinners as a single person can be hard. Don't you love when your great-aunt Bertha always asks why you're not married with kids yet? But bragging about your new boo over holiday ham can make you feel smug — that is, until you feel your new love connection slowly slipping away once the festivities are over. This is called snow-globing, and it's unfortunately a pretty common phenomenon.

The holidays invoke feelings of festivity and joy, and it's always better when you're in the throes of the honeymoon phase. However, after the New Year's Eve parties are done, the rose-colored glasses may come off and you may be dumped (or be the dumper). Named "snow-globing" by Cosmopolitan, this dating trend describes people who fall in love after getting swept up by the winter wonderland feels that inevitably fade once the holidays are over.

Speaking to Cosmo about why this trend happens in the first place, psychologist Gary Brown explained, "One [reason] may be that they simply don't want to be alone or they don't want to be seen as being single during the holidays. Feeling embarrassed about not being in a relationship can be so painful, that people will make romantic gestures as a sort of 'short fix' so that they don't have to feel the pain of loneliness."

So, how can you tell if you're being snow-globed? According to relationship expert Minaa B., look out for someone who insists on bringing you to family gatherings and wants to spend more time around the holidays (via LifeHacker). Then, after the holidays, if you're not receiving as much attention, you're a victim of snow-globing. On the other hand, you may be the snow-glober if you don't feel as attached to your new partner come January and February. To avoid falling into snow-globing's trap, make sure you and your boo are on the same page with a heart-to-heart talk before the holidays fully end.

With romantic Hallmark movies on television and fairy lights dangling everywhere, it's hard not to get caught up in a holiday season romance. However, if you've just started dating someone, it's important to slow down and hit the brakes before fully jumping in. In fact, dating expert Hayley Quinn told the Mirror that lovebirds shouldn't automatically presume that they're in a committed relationship. Instead, express your expectations and relationship goals openly, and make sure to communicate what you want from your partner while taking the time to get to know each other.

If you find yourself parting ways with your suitor after the holidays, take some time to yourself and reflect on what you truly want out of a relationship. Hanging out with your loved ones — but not forcing yourself to attend every event — can be a helpful way to heal, for instance. 

To move on from heartbreak after a breakup, do things that bring you joy, such as getting a massage or splurging on a present for yourself. You can always look on the bright side and be glad you didn't get Scrooged — another toxic dating trend describing someone avoiding spending money on gifts by breaking up with you before the holidays even begin. Bah humbug!