Dating expert warns against ‘tinselling’ trend that could damage your relationship this Christmas

For millions of couples all over the world, the festive period is - without a doubt - the most romantic time of year.

Exchanging gifts in front of a roaring fire, locking lips during a romantic walk through the snow, sharing mulled wine while tipsily playing monopoly.

It's basically the season that sees cringe-worthy Hallmark movies become a heart-warming reality, and we're here for it!

It turns out, however, that while some couples are delighted by the prospect of cosy nights in, others are DREADING the festive period.

And according to Relationship Expert, Tina Wilson, there's a perfectly logical reason for that, due to the tendency for unstable couples to embark on 'tinselling' during the winter months.

'But, what's tinselling?' I hear you ask.

Getty Images/AleksandarNakic

Well, 'tinselling' is a brand new dating term used to describe the act of using the traditionally sweet customs of Christmas to mask the cracks in your relationship.

According to Tina - who coined the term herself - 'tinselling' is an apt name for this brutal relationship stage, being that tinsel is often used to cover up gaps/rough patches on a Christmas tree.

Catching up with Tyla, Tina elaborated on her definition for 'tinselling', so that struggling couples out there know what they're looking for.

"They choose to maintain a facade of harmony and togetherness," she said. "All while overlooking unresolved problems in the relationship.

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"The name draws inspiration from the shiny, cheerful veneer of tinsel which is used to decorate during the festive season, covering what is beneath."

Tina added that couples will use tinselling in dating as a 'deliberate distraction' until the New Year rolls around.

Describing January as the period when these unlucky-in-love duos will likely 'need to sit down and chat about their relationship', she adds that a 'break up will be pending as they wish to start the year fresh'.

Tina's exclusive insight comes just days after another expert revealed the 13 tell-tale signs that your boo has fallen out of love with you.

Getty/Witthaya Prasongsin

Before getting into the rundown, however, British sexpert, Tracey Cox explained to MailOnline: "We're all individuals and what's a glaring warning sign for one couple might just be normal behaviour for another."

Let's get into the list, however...

1. Affection has disappeared
2. The 'little things' stop
3. They recoil if you try to be affectionate
4. They're avoiding spending time with you
5. They start seeing their family without you
6. There's a change in their routine or behaviour
7. They keep conversation light
8. They don't like talking about the future
9. They're confiding in people other than you
10. They've stopped 'checking in'
11. They avoid answering when you ask if something's wrong
12. They make no effort
13. You're bickering

Get in touch with Tina at www.tinawilson.co/contact or check out the Wingman App - a free dating app that lets your friends play matchmaker.

Topics: Sex and Relationships, Christmas

Rhianna Benson

Rhianna is an Entertainment Journalist at LADbible Group, working across LADbible, UNILAD and Tyla. She has a Masters in News Journalism from the University of Salford and a Masters in Ancient History from the University of Edinburgh. She previously worked as a Celebrity Reporter for OK! and New Magazines, and as a TV Writer for Reach PLC.

@rhiannaBjourno