The new toxic dating trend, the ‘coaster’, is a giant red flag: ‘Gen Z should beware’

Honey, it’s cold outside. But the hearts of the “coasters” are even colder.

Even though it’s the season to be jovial, a slew of new friends will be feeling melancholy, thanks to a new ‘toxic’ dating trend – which sounds like a fun ‘sleigh ride’ pastime, but it’s not .

“Gen Z should watch out for signs that they’re ‘hanging out,'” Claire Rénier, romance expert from dating app Happn, warned DailyStar.

Sledding, a popular new practice, prompts twenty-somethings to stay in dead-end relationships — or drag someone along, as if on a sled — while on vacation.

However, unbeknownst to their unsuspecting sweeties, the seemingly happy coaster is planning to sneak them within seconds of the ball drop come New Year’s Day.

“This could be toxic and a red flag,” Rénier said. “It messes with people’s emotions and promotes short-term gratification.”

It is a work of the heart with snow.

And the coasters are in it for themselves. Happn surveyed 600 lovers, ages 18 to 25, to find that 15% of Zoomers regularly hook up with seasonal significant others for sex, companionship, or to avoid those pesky “Why are you still single?” questions from noisy family members during the holidays.

Researchers determined that 75% of daters make the decision to part ways with their honey in November, while a shocking 25% plan to call it quits after Christmas as early as August.

“People shouldn’t be treated this way in what should be a relationship of love and trust,” said Rénier, who suggests victims dust off the sails and try again.

“Young people need to find more authentic connections with people with shared locations and hobbies,” she advised. “That way they can find partners who are really interested in them and maintain a relationship that lasts beyond the winter.”

Here are some of the main reasons why sledding.

• Having someone to have sex with (60%)
• Having someone to cuddle with when it’s cold (50%)
• To avoid feeling lonely at this magical time of the year (40%)
• To avoid answering questions about being single (30%)
• Having someone to bring to the Christmas and New Year holidays (20%)