Festive Flings: Hometown Holiday Hook-Up Insights
Turns out, hometown hook-ups during the holidays are not just something you see in movies and hear in songs. Everlywell, a health testing company, polled 850 singles aged 18-44 to gain insights into what they call “Hometown Holiday Hook-ups.”
According to the results from the survey, nearly 60% of those surveyed are planning on some casual fun during their holiday stay. Nearly 70% confirmed they’ve casually hooked up during the holidays in previous years.
Hometown holiday hook-ups are on the rise.
Interestingly, these holiday rendezvous happen more often than regular encounters throughout the year. Over half of the single men surveyed said they have more casual sex when they’re home for the holidays than they normally do, and 35% of women reported the same.
The study revealed that these holiday hook-ups will be happening close to home, but not too close. Less than 10% are daring enough to get cozy at their family’s house, with 24% preferring the fling’s house or a hotel.
Contrary to assumptions, the holiday hook-up season isn’t necessarily a time for reconnecting with exes, at least for the majority. The study shows 66% of respondents expressed interest in seeking out new connections, often resorting to dating apps or exploring local bars.
While the allure of holiday flings is on the rise, so are concerns about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), as indicated by the survey. Over half of those surveyed claimed to consistently undergo STD checks post-casual encounters. Meanwhile, only 35% admitted to occasionally inquiring about their partner’s sexual health, while 15% never ask. In cases where an STD was present, 86% of respondents asserted they would proactively disclose this information to their casual partner, with only 10% willing to divulge if directly questioned, and 5% opting to keep such information a secret.
If you’re wondering why people have hometown hook-ups, Post Grad Problems offers an insightful perspective. They reported that hometown hookups are familiar, low risk, and have a natural, predetermined expiration date.
Take a look at more findings from the Hometown Holiday Hook-Up Survey here.
Holiday Dating Do's and Don'ts
Don't Move Too Fast
If you’re started dating someone you really like, it might be temping to bring them to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. But, that could also freak them out. I remember going out with someone just once and getting invited to a holiday dinner. It made me a little uncomfortable, because even if I liked that person, it seemed like a big jump. So, if you do want to invite that new love to a holiday family event, make sure to talk it over with them and give them the option to say no.
This young couple is totally surprised by moving too fast.
Don't Go Crazy on Gifts If You're in a New Relationship
If you’re in a newer relationship, resist the temptation to buy your new love too much for Christmas. “Oh, he’s a Packers fan! I’m going to buy all the Packers gear I can find!” Just don’t do it. It’s okay to give gifts, but keep it small if you haven’t been together long, or you might look insane.
This young woman is spending too much on her new love.
Do Give Small, Meaningful Gifts
If you’re in a new relationship, you should get something for your new partner during the holidays. But, as mentioned above, don’t overdo it. A small, meaningful gift will likely be welcomed during the holidays and not scare your new love away.
This small gift is perfect for the holidays.
Don't Freak Out If You Don't See Your New Love As Much During the Holidays
Maybe you’re used to seeing your new love a few times a week. What if that’s just once a week, or less, during the holidays? Don’t freak out or start crying or anything. The holidays are a busy time for all, and that means schedules change.
This couple is fighting over missing dates over the holidays.
Do Be on Good Behavior at Holiday Parties with Your New Love
You might get invited to some fun holiday parties or work parties by your new love, and you might want to invite them to yours. That’s fine and much less pressure than a family event. But, be on good behavior. Don’t try to be the life of the party or anything, as you might mortify your date. Sometimes, people like to overdo it in the early stages and try to really impress, but you really just need to be yourself when meeting new friends and chill out a bit.
This couple is enjoying themselves at a holiday party.
