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From now until Valentine's Day it's officially cuffing season, the time of year where singles scramble to find a partner to hibernate with for the winter. As such, daters may be firing up their dating apps and sliding into DMs in order to find a special someone, even if it's just to have a warm body to cuddle when the weather outside is frightful. 

Additionally, there's another trend to look out for according to experts at dating app Inner Circle: "Winter coating."

Winter coating refers to when people reach out to previous partners during cuffing season in order to nab an easy seasonal partner. Winter coaters may get back in touch with old flames right as the temperature drops, but they're gone as soon as the snow thaws away in spring.

Over half (52 percent) of around 1,150 UK singles surveyed by Inner Circle said they've been contacted by an ex who wanted to rekindle their connection, with 71 percent admitting it didn't work out. The survey took place in September, so it's likely more exes will come around as the weather gets colder. 

The stakes for daters in 2022 are arguably higher than in years past due to the emerging cost-of-living crisis. Inner Circle found that 41 percent of UK singles are dating less due to rising costs, which corresponds with findings from LendingTree that Americans are going on fewer dates due to inflationas well. 

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"This year, with the pressure of costs going up and people cutting back on dates, there’s the added risk of singles going back to old flings in the same way they dig out their old winter coat for the season," said Inner Circle's resident dating expert Crystal Cansdale. "Winter Coating offers the comfort of staying inside, watching Netflix and not actually dating, with someone you've already established this dynamic with." 

Due to price hikes and the desire to stay in, winter coating may seem appealing. If an ex comes back into the picture, you won't have to go through the process of meeting someone new. It's possible, however, that history may repeat itself with these old flames. 

"Winter Coating takes toxic cuffing season behavior to a new level," Cansdale said, "and unless you’re 100 percent on the same page as the other person, it has to stop."

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If you find yourself getting "coated," Cansdale advises you to have an upfront chat. If you're not aligned with what kind of relationship you want — or how long you want to last — get out of dodge. Have an uncomfortable conversation now so you can avoid an even more painful one later.

Furthermore, take things slow. There's no reason to rush into a relationship; you may find that if someone wants to speed up the relationship, they'll likely want out just as quickly. Cansdale also warns against getting too comfortable too soon, especially if you've been in that territory with that ex before. Make sure the effort in the relationship is mutual. 

Winter is coming, and so are winter coaters. If you prepare for them, though, you won't get caught in the cold. 

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