You could soon be walking alone in your winter wonderland. Holiday stresses can be too much for a new relationship.
A Match.com survey of 1,000 online daters found more than three-fourths have broken up with someone over the holidays. Here are some of the top stresses to watch out for.
Meet the parents
Think that your family's annual holiday open house is the perfect time to introduce him to your flock? Think again. According to Match.com, 30 percent of singles have broken up with someone because they were turned off by the family.
Clear and present danger
Gift-giving is another trap, especially for men who can't seem to get it right. Nearly 75 percent of women have been disappointed with a present from their significant other, compared to 47 percent of men.
Holidate
Dating someone new? You may think it's true love , but your partner may just want to avoid being single over the holidays. More men than women have dated someone to keep from being alone (14 percent of guys versus 10 percent of women).
Keep it simple
And be careful about your choice of date activities. While the majority of singles (82 percent) said the holidays make them feel more romantic than other times of the year, eggnog, ice-skating and a three-hour production of "The Nutcracker" are definite turnoffs, survey takers say. On the other hand, a crackling fire and twinkling lights are romance boosters.
Patience
You may have to wait until New Year's to take advantage of a new crop of prospects, when 64 percent of singles will make a resolution to find love in 2013. Meanwhile, you may want to give extra attention to your career and emphasize your accomplishments in your online dating profile. According to the survey, both men and women want career-oriented significant others from Santa this year over a hipster, foodie or party person.