A dreaded new dating trend is doing the rounds this cuffing season - so much so, that a relationship expert has actually issued a stern warning to those in long-term relationships.
Despite what Valentine's card salesmen might try to tell you, Christmas just is the most romantic holiday.
And if you're lucky enough to have found someone special to share it with, it can make life feel like a real life Hallmark movie throughout the whole duration of December.
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That being said, however, if you've been with your other-half for some time and, for some reason, can't shake the feeling of dread this Christmas, it might be that you're about to take part in the fearful new romance trend known as 'tinselling'.
Or alternatively, if you can't wait to shower your loved one in gifts when the 25th rolls around, but you feel like they're just smiling to keep you happy, you could be getting 'tinselled' yourself.
I imagine by this point that I've peaked your attention, but you're left baffled as to what 'tinselling' actually means. I'm right, right?
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Well, according to relationship therapist Tina Wilson, it's a term used to describe the act of using the traditionally sweet customs of Christmas to mask the cracks in your relationship.
Basically, it describes suppressing your doubts over the relationship in the name of Santa, and simply plodding on.
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.
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Catching up with Tyla last year, 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.
"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 sometimes use tinselling in dating as a 'deliberate distraction' until the New Year rolls around.
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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'.
It's not just 'tinselling' you might have to worry about either , as 'sledging' may also be doing the rounds this Christmas.
In order to spare the heartbreak, another expert has revealed the 13 signs that your partner has fallen out of love with you.
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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:
- Affection has disappeared
- The 'little things' stop
- They recoil if you try to be affectionate
- They're avoiding spending time with you
- They start seeing their family without you
- There's a change in their routine or behaviour
- They keep conversation light
- They don't like talking about the future
- They're confiding in people other than you
- They've stopped 'checking in'
- They avoid answering when you ask if something's wrong
- They make no effort
- 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, Life, Christmas
Rhianna Benson