New Toxic Dating Trend Alert: Are You Being "Winter Coated"?

Just when we thought we survived "Love Bombing," "Ghosting," and the indignity of "Situationships," the dating world has handed us a new villain for the holiday season: Winter Coating.

If you haven't heard the term yet, grab your wine, because you’ve definitely seen it happen. In fact, if your ex from three years ago just randomly texted you "Thinking of you" with a snowflake emoji, you might be a victim right now.

What is "Winter Coating"?

"Winter Coating" is exactly what it sounds like. It’s when an ex-flame pops back into your life as soon as the temperature drops, looking for comfort, warmth, and easy access to holiday festivities. They "put you on" like an old, reliable coat to brave the harsh winter months—and then, just like that heavy wool trench, they toss you back into the closet the second the first flower blooms in spring.

It’s "Cuffing Season" with a lazy, toxic twist. Instead of finding someone new to cozy up with, the Winter Coater circles back to you because you’re familiar, you’re safe, and quite frankly, they don’t want to put in the effort of dating new people in sub-zero weather.

The Signs You’re Being Used as a Winter Coat

The Consulting Chick is all about pattern recognition. Here is how to spot if he’s genuinely missing you or just cold:

1. The "Seasonal Scaries" Timing He was silent all summer. You were posting bikini pics, living your best life, and he was nowhere to be found. But the minute it got dark at 4:30 PM, he’s sliding into your DMs.

• The vibe: He’s not missing you; he’s missing having a warm body on the couch.

2. The Low-Effort Link-Up His idea of "reconnecting" is strictly indoors. He wants to "come over and watch a movie" or "order in." He’s not taking you on dates; he’s looking for a hibernation station.

• The vibe: If he’s not willing to brave the cold to take you to dinner, he’s not back for the right reasons.

3. The Nostalgia Trap He brings up "how good we were" or specific cozy memories ("Remember that

Christmas we spent at the cabin?"). He is selling you a highlight reel of the past to distract you from the reason you broke up in the first place.

The Advice: Keep the Coat in Storage

Here is the unfiltered truth: You are not a seasonal accessory.

If someone couldn't handle the heat of a relationship with you in July, they don't deserve the warmth of your presence in December. Winter Coating is selfish. It’s about their comfort, not your connection.

The Fix: When that text comes through, don't analyze it in the group chat. Don't wonder if he’s "changed." Recognize it for what it is: a seasonal draft.

Reply with: "I’m good, thanks. Stay warm."

Then block him, put on your actual favorite coat (maybe a chic Scarf Coat, which is actually trending for good reasons), and go enjoy your holiday season free of dead weight.

Let's Chat: The "Ex" Files

Has a ghost from relationships past tried to "winter coat" you this season? I want to hear the receipts.

Drop the lamest "I miss you" text you’ve received in the comments below. Let’s roast them together—and if you have a friend who is dangerously close to texting her ex back, send this post to her immediately. Friends don't let friends be winter coats. 👇

Take My Advice or Not, The Consulting Chick