How to Keep the Spark Alive After the December Fling Fizzles Out

December flings—the fairy tales of the holiday season. One minute, you’re under the Christmas lights, laughing over suya, and the next, you’re in January, wondering if their “I’ll text you when I get back home” was just sweet lies wrapped in Harmattan dust. 

If you’re feeling the post-Detty December romance blues, don’t worry. Here’s a practical guide to keeping the spark alive when your December fling starts ghosting faster than NEPA during a World Cup match.

1. Accept the Terms and Conditions of December Love

Let’s face it: December flings are like IJGB accents—they disappear the moment the New Year countdown ends. So, if bae has returned to their base (or “abroad”), accept it for what it was: a magical holiday moment. But if you insist on holding onto the spark, keep reading for the hustle plan.

RELATED: Holiday Romance of December Fling: How To Tell The Difference

2. Master the Art of Strategic Texting

Communication is key, but desperation is not cute. Keep it light and breezy:

• Wrong Number Game: Text them casually with, “Oh, sorry, wrong person!” and then follow up with, “But hey, how are you doing?” Classic move.
• Instagram Story Replies: React to their stories with a fire emoji. It’s low effort but keeps you on their radar.
• Don’t Be Too Available: Reply late, even if you’ve been holding your phone like a life vest. Remember, mystery is sexy.

3. Use the Power of Throwback Photos

You took 127 selfies at that concert or beach hangout. Now is the time to post them with captions like, “Take me back to this amazing day!” Tag them subtly—it’s a breadcrumb, not a whole loaf of bread.

4. Send a Care Package

If bae is an IJGB, send a package of Nigerian goodies like chin-chin or suya spice with a cheeky note: “To keep a taste of Naija close to your heart (and lips).” Bonus points if it makes them miss you more than they miss jollof rice.

Warning: This only works if they reciprocated vibes in December. Don’t go sending chin-chin to someone who barely remembered your name at New Year’s Eve.

5. Channel Your Inner Detective (But Stay Cool)

You know they said they’d be “busy” in January. But busy doing what? Or who? Instead of overthinking, use your online stalking skills wisely:

• Check their activity on social media.
• Look for cryptic captions or new “friends” in their comments.
• If you spot a rival, retreat with grace—there’s plenty of fish in the sea (or IJGBs in December).

6. Throw in a Bold Move

Invite them to visit. “When are you coming to Naija again?” is direct enough to gauge interest but casual enough to save face. If they dodge, take the L and move on.

7. Keep Your Options Open

Remember, just because your December fling had charm doesn’t mean they were your soulmate. Don’t let one person lock you down in 2025. Hit the streets, get back on dating apps, and remember: new year, new opportunities for love (or at least better flings).

8. Glow Up and Show Off

Nothing fuels regret like seeing someone thrive without you. Post your January glow-up, join new communities, and flex your achievements. If they didn’t realize how amazing you were in December, January is the month to make them wish they had.

9. Stay Busy to Stay Unbothered

Start that project you’ve been procrastinating on, hit the gym, or pick up a hobby. The busier you are, the less you’ll care about someone who may or may not respond to your texts. Plus, productivity is the ultimate post-fling glow-up.

10. Know When to Let Go

If all else fails and your December fling has turned into January radio silence, it’s okay. Not all sparks were meant to become bonfires. Focus on yourself, your goals, and maybe even your next potential boo.

Keeping the spark alive after a December fling fizzles out isn’t impossible, but it’s also not worth losing your sanity over. If they’re interested, they’ll make the effort. If not, dust off your dancing shoes—because Valentine’s season is coming, and the streets are calling.

Stay fabulous, and may 2025 bring flings with longer expiry dates!

If you’re still looking to get into the streets, join the Dating and Relationship community on Fusion and you just might find someone to spend Valentine’s Day with there.