‘Glueing’ explained as expert warns it could be an intimacy red flag

Anyone who is self-admittedly chronically online will no doubt know all about the most infamous dating and bedroom trends.

Whether it's 'Shrekking' and the 'Ben stage' all the way through to 'sploshing' - it sometimes feels like we need an entire dating dictionary just to keep up with all the latest buzzwords.

And the latest one to add to the list is something we've coined as 'glueing', with dating coach Hayley Quinn having fortunately explained exclusively to Tyla all we need to know on the matter.

What is 'glueing'?

Hayley says that glueing is when physical intimacy in a relationship is a fundamental way of maintaining your connection.

A dating expert has explained everything you need to know about 'glueing' (Getty Stock Images)

Why can sex feel like the 'glue' in a relationship?

The expert explains that sex in a relationship connects you to your partner in a wide variety of ways.

"When you have sex, your body releases oxytocin (the bonding hormone); prolactin (associated with a sense of contentment); dopamine (which creates a sense of physical bonding); and vasopressin, which has been linked to pair bonding," Hayley adds.

"In addition to feeling physiologically connected to someone, the experience of sex also often feels like a way of expressing mutual acceptance and bonding."

What does this mean?

According to Hayley, in a long-term relationship, physical intimacy provides an important barometer of the relationship and enhances feelings of closeness.

"However," she outlines, "this physiological connection and 'glueing' may be less of a positive when the person you’re having sex with is someone you’re seeing casually.

"Sex can make you feel glued to someone regardless of the overall relationship that they’re offering you.

"So, as a form of bonding in healthy relationships, it’s a positive; when you’re trying to move on from someone, or keep your connection casual, less so."

The expert highlights the importance of making decisions about your sex life that take into account your preferences (Getty Stock Images)

Can you prevent 'glueing'?

The dating coach tells Tyla that, unfortunately, you can’t prevent glueing, as it’s in part a physiological part of having sex.

However, she notes, you can be self-aware of it.

"That might be that in a long-term relationship you consciously make time for sex, or in a casual relationship you remind yourself that part of what you’re feeling is being driven by hormones!" Hayley suggests.

Can 'glueing' lead to false intimacy?

The short answer is, you guessed it, yes.

Hayley explains: "If you’re dating casually and you’re aware that once the relationship becomes physical you’ll find it hard to be open to meeting someone else, this is a great signal to you to slow down.

"For some people, they can experience sex casually and not feel attached afterwards; for other people, they know they’ll end up feeling attached, just by having sex."

She concludes: "Neither approach is inherently wrong, but it’s important to recognise where you sit on that spectrum, and make decisions about your sex life that take into account your preferences."