5 Dating Trends That Are F-cking Your Love Life

When it comes to dating, we all have blind spots. As a sex and dating editor, I've noticed its always easier to spot the f-ckboy in your besties life but when it comes to our own toxicity... well sometimes we go out of our way to avoid the truth. From ghosting to "newer" dating trends like "paperclipping," its important to keep yourself in check about your habits in love. Think of it as self-love, or as the industry calls it, relationship self-respect.

So, of course that's where I come in. Here are the top five dating trends that, honestly, you should ditch as soon as possible. And here's why.

Ghosting

Ah, the ol' reliable for toxic lovers. Ghosting is when you disappear like a ghost in the night, without explanation. Despite research that states how harmful it is, everyone from Gen Zers to Boomers ghosts from time to time.

Benching

Benching is exactly as it sounds. One person keeps another "around as a backup," PsychologyToday's expert Dr. Bruce Y. Lee shared. "In the age of virtual dating, especially dating app's, benching has become more common as courting now resembles a fun game of “hot or not” while you wait for the bae you actually want to come around."

Cobwebbing

Calling all lover girls, cobwebbing is "for those of you who want to move on to new love, but find yourself caught in its web." Coined by Bumble, the apps expert  Dr. Caroline West shared, "Holding on to past relationships, whether that be phone numbers, messages or even an old t-shirt, can hold you back when it comes to dating as you’re not mentally focused on the present."

So, dust off those cobwebs and get ready for new love.

Phubbing

This one's for the chronically online baes. Has your partner ever expressed concern about you constantly on your phone? Yeah, that's phone snubbing. Essentially, your partner feels as if their time with you isn't as important as whatever's going on on your phone. As expert Mark Travers shared, this will gnaw "at the fabric of your relationship."

Orbiting

Ok Millennial baes this one's for you. Remember Clippy, the "early 2000s Microsoft paperclip figure that would ask questions?" According to Dr. Lee, its similar to benching in that someone is "maintaining contact with you to keep you on the backburner as a possible option."

If you feel yourself being orbited, take control of your love life and say no. You deserve a love that puts your first.

While you're here, SKYN drops a sex toy bouquet for Mother's Day.

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