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<\/p>\nFESTIVE fans go Christmas crackers for schmaltzy Hallmark holiday movies.<\/p>\n
But the romcoms are sparking a bizarre new seasonal dating trend.<\/p>\n
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Experts say those looking for long-lasting romance need to be wary of \u201choli-dazers\u201d.<\/p>\n
Rhian Kivits, sex and relationship expert for dating app<\/span> Fruitz, said: \u201cIt\u2019s a manipulative and toxic dating tactic where singletons pull out all the stops to give the impression they\u2019re looking for a \u2018forever\u2019 partner, by copying clich\u00e9d Hollywood behaviours and actions.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a combination of the \u2018love-\u00adbombing\u2019 and \u2018future-faking\u2019 trends but with a heady dose of Christmas nostalgia<\/span>.\u201d<\/p>\n It can be easy to fall into the holi-dazing trap at this time of year when romantic movies set in snowy scenes dominate streaming services.<\/p>\n And it\u2019s also a tricky time of year to be alone, when loved-up couples are sharing cosy evenings and buying each other thoughtful gifts.<\/p>\n Rhian said: \u201cIt\u2019s a time of year when people typically seek out a romantic interest. But this year many have been using idyllic festive<\/span> scenarios played out in our favourite romcoms as a way to win<\/span> over a prospective partner.<\/p>\n \u201cWe all tend to romanticise, but this trend is particularly toxic as it capitalises upon festive and romantic cues that are incredibly familiar and can make you feel like your dreams<\/span> have come true.\u201d<\/p>\n Rhian warned against being conned \u2014 and revealed there are simple warning signs to look out for.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n She said: \u201cIf someone is coming on too strong and giving over-the-top compliments and romantic gestures, it could be a sign that you are being holi-dazed.<\/p>\n \u201cIf their behaviour feels excessive and overly affectionate, it\u2019s worth asking yourself whether it feels genuine or if it is moving too quickly.<\/p>\n \u201cIf they are making extreme promises about the future<\/span> or telling you that you\u2019re the best thing that\u2019s ever happened to them, they could in fact be displaying manipulative behaviour.\u201d<\/p>\n Rhian said a reluctance to introduce you to friends or family can be another warning sign as it indicates they are not serious about securing you as a partner once the the season is over.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, only making plans when it\u2019s convenient for them and exaggerated expressions of love could be signs they\u2019re just looking for something fleeting.<\/p>\n Rhian said: \u201cIt\u2019s all about seeing whether their words and affections marry up with their actions.\u201d<\/p>\n The dating guru reckons the best way to find out if you\u2019re being holi-dazed by your date is to call them out on their behaviour.<\/p>\n She said: \u201cIt doesn\u2019t have to be confrontational. Do it in a relaxed and humorous way that makes light of the situation.<\/p>\n \u201cAsk them how they would feel about committing to an event or occasion in the future<\/span> and see how they react.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll find it incredibly empowering as it puts you in the driving<\/span> seat<\/span> and sends a clear signal that you know what you want.<\/p>\n \u201cIf they\u2019re right for you, they will reassure you, show<\/span> commitment, and take stock and accountability, without making you feel uncomfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n And if they\u2019re not right for you \u2014 if they become defensive or struggle to commit to long-term plans \u2014 it\u2019s time to tell them to jingle all the way away.<\/p>\n But it can be gutting when you meet someone and think there\u2019s a genuine connection only to find out it\u2019s all been a ruse \u2014 especially at this time of year.<\/p>\n Rhian said: \u201cThe big problem with holi-dazing is that when things fizzle out after the festive season and your love interest ghosts<\/span> you or withdraws, you could find yourself feeling incredibly let down.<\/p>\n \u201cNobody wants to spend January nursing a broken<\/span> heart.\u201d<\/p>\n OTHER dating red flags to look out for over the festive period, according to Rhian:<\/p>\n Love bombing<\/strong>: \u201cCommonly used by people with narcissistic tendencies, be careful of anyone who is overly praising you or showering you with compliments. Sometimes this is used as a manipulation tactic to get your trust quickly, ultimately taking control of the relationship.\u201d<\/p>\n Future faking<\/strong>: \u201cWhen a potential partner starts making grandiose promises about the future that seem to be based on what you desire rather than ideas that are balanced and realistic, it\u2019s a sign that they could simply be trying to instigate a swift attachment by getting your hopes up.\u201d<\/p>\nMost read in Fabulous<\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/TM-comp-Cat-Deeley-v2-1.jpg\")
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Read more on The Sun<\/h2>\n
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RED FLAGS<\/h3>\n
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