As romantic as a crisp, snowy winter wonderland can be, dating in the winter months could be bad news, say experts.According to a survey by Yahoo, a large number of couples that begin a blossoming romance during the Christmas holidays, won't last until March.
Internet dating sites anticipate a 300 per cent increase in traffic as the holiday season approaches and singles search for a new love with whom to share their mistletoe.
In America, it's known as "hiberdating", but it sadly leads to March being dubbed the "break-up season".
Couples counsellor Barbara Greisman, explained to the Telegraph: "Two things are happening.
"First, many of us unconsciously think back to our childhood and associate the post-summer and Christmas holiday time with the misery of returning to school. The simple fact that the days are shorter can also make us gloomier.
"Therefore if we're single around this time, we instinctively look for someone – anyone – to cheer us up, even for the short-term."
She added: "Add Christmas and New Year to the mix – a time which is a complete distortion of real, everyday life – and that's a recipe for total failure. My busiest time for counselling is January through to March."
And Lisa Guennifa, associate director of the Elect Club introduction agency, believes that the beginning of a new year can, in itself, cause problems.
She said: "People believe in fresh starts, and that goes for their relationships, too. They often blame their partners for unhappiness and lack of fulfilment. Changing them means they can change their lives."
Apparently there's also some science involved. According to scientist James Watson, the bright light of summer stimulates something called the pineal gland, which produces sex hormones, making us all feel hot and, well... hot.
Which suggests, there is a solution to "hiberdating"... ever tried a winter sun holiday?
shopping spree
