'Winter Coating' Is The Coldest New Dating Trend

Don’t let winter loneliness make you fall into this toxic dating trend.

Relationship experts are warning against a new dating fad known as “winter coating.” This phenomenon occurs when an ex or former flame reaches out during the colder months, much like retrieving an old winter coat from the back of your closet — something that may no longer fit or suit you, TODAY notes. While the connection may feel comforting at first, it usually fizzles out as the weather warms up. Just like the retreat of winter’s chill, these relationships often dissolve as the days grow longer and spring arrives.

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Why do people commit winter coating?

Thalia Ouimet, a matchmaker and dating coach, says people who engage in winter coating typically return to someone they’ve dated in the past to stave off loneliness during the holidays. They may also feel pressured to rekindle a romance with an ex to avoid uncomfortable questions from family members.

“Families tend to ask a lot of questions like ‘Do you have a boyfriend’ or ‘Do you have a girlfriend,’ so people tend to get really stressed about not having a partner and will reach out to an ex-flame to try to rekindle things before the holidays,” Ouimet told TODAY.

Notably, Ouimet noted that winter coating appears to be on the rise in cities like Chicago and New York where winters can be chilly, icy, and fierce, compared to warm destinations like Los Angeles or Miami.

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If you’re genuinely interested in rekindling a romance with an ex, that’s great. However, if you’re only reaching out because you’re seeking someone to snuggle with during the holiday season, it’s worth reconsidering. Reconnecting with an ex can derail your long-term relationship goals and may lead to disappointment, or even worse heartbreak, especially if the other person is hoping for something more serious.

Here are a few ways to prevent winter coating.

Parade suggests that before reaching out to an ex in an attempt to rekindle a relationship, it’s important to reflect on a few key questions. First, consider how long it’s been since you last heard from your ex. Think about how you both parted—did you end on good terms or was there unresolved tension? Were issues like infidelity or trust a factor in your breakup? Also, consider the dynamics of your past relationship—did you share responsibilities like finances, food, and housing, or were you the one shouldering most of it? If most of the answers to these questions feel cold or distant, it might be a sign that it’s time to let that relationship melt away.

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Additionally, if the relationship starts to move too quickly, it could be a sign that your intentions aren’t aligned. Even though you share history, rushing things may indicate that they’re not in it for the long haul. Be open and honest about your expectations. If they truly care about you, they will be willing to take things slow and allow the relationship to grow at a natural pace.

Finally, ask yourself whether your ex is truly interested in reconnecting for a genuine relationship, or if they’re simply looking to hook up. Terri DiMatteo, a relationship expert and couples counselor told TODAY, that it’s important to listen carefully to what your ex says when you reconnect.

“Are they talking about the loneliness of the holidays? The extra expenses? Or that they find the winter months depressing? There may be clues that they are reaching out for reasons other than genuinely wanting to reconnect with you,” DiMatteo pointed out.

Have you been a victim of winter coating? Tell us about your experience in the comments section.

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