A divorce attorney has expressed concern over a new dating trend that may have serious repercussions if applied in the real world.
The dating scene can be complex, requiring careful navigation to make a good first impression and meet new people effectively.
With the rise of platforms like TikTok and other social media, numerous trends have emerged to guide those seeking help in dating.
While some of these trends can be beneficial, there is one in particular that has experts sounding the alarm.
This popular trend has been linked to TikToker Meg Neil, who claimed she experienced little heartbreak after ending a four-year relationship by choosing to ‘date him till I hated him’.
This approach involves gradually letting a relationship fizzle out instead of working to resolve issues or ending it amicably.
By the time the breakup happens, you’ve already emotionally distanced yourself and are prepared to move on.
“You’re going to watch them disrespect you… until you no longer want to associate with them anymore,” Neil explained in her video.
Although new trends can be intriguing in the ever-evolving dating world, a divorce lawyer has cautioned against this particular one.
Rosalind Fitzgerald, a Partner at Rayden Solicitors, stated: “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?”
Fitzgerald further elaborated: “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.”
She highlighted that relationships which conclude with ‘hate’ are often ‘the lengthiest and costliest separations’, suggesting it might be wise to steer clear of this trend.
“‘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 emphasized.