Sledging Season: The Icy Trend Women Over 40 Need to Watch Out For

Have you ever felt like your love life had a seasonal expiration date? Brace yourself—sledging is the frosty trend you didn’t know you needed to avoid.

Sledging, in dating terms, refers to staying in a relationship just long enough to get through the holiday season—then calling it quits once the New Year’s ball drops. Sounds cold, right? That’s because it is. This behavior is particularly common among younger daters, with studies showing that 15% of Gen Z singles admit to sledging their way through cuffing season. But make no mistake, the ripple effects can hit women over 40 just as hard, especially those navigating the modern dating scene.

Why Sledging Happens

The holidays can be a double-edged sword for single women over 40. On one hand, you’ve got sparkling soirées and delicious excuses to flaunt your fabulousness. On the other, the festive season often amplifies societal pressures to couple up. This can make women (and men) vulnerable to temporary relationships that seem cozy but are ultimately destined to melt away.

For many sledgers, the holidays aren’t about finding "the one" but about avoiding the “table for one.” And while that might seem harmless at first, being on the receiving end of a holiday breakup can leave you feeling like the leftover fruitcake nobody wanted.

How to Avoid the Sledgehammer

1. Trust Your Intuition: If a new flame feels more like a flicker, don’t ignore the signs. Holiday charm can mask real red flags.
2. Define the Relationship: If you’re investing your time, make sure it’s clear where things are headed. Ambiguity is often a sledger’s playground.
3. Focus on Authenticity: If someone is only interested in seasonal snuggles, it might be time to move on to someone who values you year-round.

Flip the Script: Thrive Through the Holidays

Instead of falling victim to someone else’s sleigh ride, use this season to focus on you. Host a “Friendsmas” with your favorite people, indulge in solo travel to a dream destination, or invest in personal growth. Remember, relationships don’t define your worth—you do.

Ready to make the holidays all about you? Check out our curated list of self-care must-haves for the holidays here and book the ultimate solo travel destinations here and here. Don’t let someone else’s sledging define your holiday spirit—take control and thrive!

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