Want to avoid a flurry of uncomfortable activity down below? Get your jollies some other way.
One doctor is warning against the troubling sexual winter trend of “snowmanning” that could leave you at risk for catching sexually transmitted infections like syphilis, herpes and gonorrhea — and that’s not to mention catching feelings.
The term snowmanning was initially coined by the dating gurus at eHarmony in 2019 — but only now are doctors warning that it could lead to worse outcomes than hard feelings.
“Christmas is a time for celebration and presents a great opportunity to socialize and find someone special,” Rachael Lloyd, relationship expert at eHarmony, told the Mirror.
“However, once the drinks stop flowing and decorations come down, sometimes that initial burst of chemistry wears off. Our research shows that lots of people then retreat from their new relationships, a trend we are coining ‘snowmanning.’”
Social media users have said that the fling melts away much like a snowman, either after the holidays or by the time spring rolls around.
While the people involved may be fine to let it go, their nether regions may keep an unhappy souvenir from the short-lived romance.
And according to Dr. Crystal Wyllie, a general practitioner at Asda Online Doctor, it becomes more of an issue if contact details weren’t exchanged, leaving no way for a fling to let you know if they start experiencing troubling symptoms.
“December is a time of celebration and connection, but it’s important to stay informed about sexual health,” Wyllie told the Daily Mail.
‘Planning ahead with contraception, or accessing support after unplanned sexual activity, is key to enjoying the festive season while staying safe.”
Fortunately, STI rates seem to be declining on the whole in the US. According to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, STIs were down nearly 2% from 2022 to 2023.
Gonorrhea cases, in particular, are on the way down, dropping 7.7% in a year. Primary and secondary syphilis decreased 10.7% in 2023.
Meanwhile, the winter season has also given rise to other dating trends including “sledging,” which is when singletons drag someone along through the holidays with the intention of dumping them come New Year’s.
“This can be toxic and a red flag,” Claire Rénier, head of communications for dating app Happn, told the Daily Star. “It plays with people’s emotions and fosters short-term satisfaction.”
There’s also the “winter coating” trend, in which people reach out to old flames in the winter, much like they would an old coat.
