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Topics: Sex and Relationships, Life
Callum Jones
A divorce lawyer has warned against a 'bleak' dating trend that could have 'disastrous' consequences if used in the real world.
The dating world can be a tricky place, as you navigate how's best to approach meeting new people and setting a good impression.
And now, thanks to the likes of TikTok and other social media platforms, there are plenty of trends out there to help those in need.
While some are more handy than others, there is one particular dating trend that experts have warned against.
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The viral method has been attributed to TikToker Meg Neil, who revealed that she felt minimal heartbreak after breaking up with her partner of four years because she 'dated him till I hated him'.
It basically means bringing a slow end to your relationship rather than trying to actively fix it or bring the partnership to a healthy end.
And by the time the breakup comes around, you've already emotionally checked out and are ready to move on.
"You’re going to watch them disrespect you… until you no longer want to associate with them anymore," Neil explained in the video.
While new trends are always exciting in a the every-changing world of dating, a divorce lawyer has warned against this one.
Rosalind Fitzgerald, Partner at Rayden Solicitors, said: "As a family lawyer, I would never recommend the 'date them 'til you hate them' trend. When couples have intermingled their finances in any way - or, far more significantly, had children together - deliberately turning love to hate can only serve to make separation more bitter, complex and costly.
"In almost all but the most transient of relationships, there are mutual possessions, interwoven finances to unpick and a degree of sensible communication is required to do so. And what could be more disastrous for your children’s long term mental health than hatred between parents?"
The expert added: "However hard parents try to disguise this, children will pick up on all sorts of subtle signs. They will certainly notice if their parents never speak at handover and sense the tension."
Fitzgerald went on to explain that the relationships which end with 'hate' typically are 'the lengthiest and costliest separations', so it probably isn't a good idea to jump on the bandwagon.
"'Dating until you hate them' will almost always lead to acrimony, and make the task of separating your entanglements so much harder. Healthy separation strategies are far better engaged with respectful communication, not driven by hatred," she noted.