Featured Image Credit: Oscar Wong/Getty Images/Dejan Marjanovic/Getty Images
Topics: Dating, Dating trends, Life, Sex and Relationships, Gen Z
Rhiannon Ingle
Topics: Dating, Dating trends, Life, Sex and Relationships, Gen Z
We're now slap-bang in the middle of June now and I'm sure many singletons out there are buzzing to get their hot girl summer on.
Now, the world of dating is a weird and wonderful one - packed to the brim with heaps of terminology people have created over the years to help navigate the climate.
We already know all about the 'box theory', 'banana theory' and the impact of 'orbiting'... but there's now yet another phrase we need to add to our dating dictionaries - FONMO.
Dating expert Tina Wilson explains that FONMO is directly inspired by the acronym I'm sure we've all come to use in our everyday language, FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).
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FONMO, however, stands for the Fear of Never Missing Out.
All about challenging traditional relationship timelines and societal pressures, FONMO encourages individuals to embrace their own pace in love and life.
"Rather than succumbing to dated stereotypes, Gen Z is rewriting the rules, prioritising personal empowerment and enjoyment over societal expectations," Tina says.
So, by setting clear boundaries and recognising toxic dating behaviours, FONMO empowers daters to 'navigate relationships authentically and confidently'.
The expert adds: "FONMO signifies more than just a trend; it signifies a cultural shift towards authenticity and empowerment in dating and relationships."
Tina also issued a warning over 'summer shading'.
Well, to put it bluntly, imagine what it must feel like to hear that your beloved boyfriend/girlfriend is planning on embarking on their very own 'hot person summer'.
In short, the term refers to the phenomenon where individuals deliberately avoid commitment or end relationships during the summer months or prolonged heatwaves, often seeking freedom and fun without attachments, Tina exclusively told us this week.
"The term reflects a trend where people prioritise temporary enjoyment over lasting relationships during warmer weather.
"This could be driven partly by increased serotonin levels from sunlight."
As Tina says, these brutal types of break up are become particular prevalent amongst those in the Gen Z category of daters, who are officially aged 12-27, and is likely also influenced by a need not to miss out in the most fun-fuelled - and often chaotic - social events.
The relationship guru explained: "If experiencing Summer Shading, it's advised to reassess the relationship, communicate openly about intentions, and, if necessary, move on to avoid prolonged hurt."
Get in touch with Tina Wilson at www.tinawilson.co or on Instagram at www.instagram.com/tina_wingman/, or download the Wingmann App now www.wingmanapp.com/.