Tis the season to have relationship problems – or at least that can be the case as the weather turns ugly and we enter the realm of holiday cheer.

How ironic.

Winter clothes often lack allure/Ryn Gargulinski

Sure, the winter weather can make for some fine snuggling – my two rats that are notorious for scuffling are now snuggle buddies – but it can also put drain and strain on even the best relationships.

Colder weather means big fat clothes. Even if we’re not stuck in pounds-adding snow pants for the winter season, other fashions can make us appear less than sexy. Like bulky, shapeless sweaters. Hair-smashing hats. Scarves that get dribbled with drool and gravy. We feel – and look – much more alluring in a sundress or a tank top and cut-offs.

The sun doth dim. Winter weather means less sunshine. Where it used to stay lit until late, the sun now goes down before 6 p.m.

Less sunshine means crummy moods and, for the very unlucky, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD, sadly, is not a myth but a condition that can plunge us into depression. It’s hard to be nice to your mate when it feels like the world is one big blah.

Cabin fever and the not-so-great indoors adds to relationship strain. We may find ourselves cooped up from the cold. Especially if we live with our significant other, this can lead to intense annoyance and cranky spats.

It can also lead to lethargy, boredom and fighting just so there is something exciting to do.

Big fat clothes sometimes means big fat us. Comfort food definitely warms our souls during cooler temperatures, but it can also pad our thighs.

Chicken pot pies, hearty stews and buttery biscuits sopped in gravy are just a few of the chunky choices that come to mind.

Holiday cheer is often not so cheery. Some may sing along to Jingle Bells while others will inwardly cringe. Holidays can send lots of folks into a funk, especially when the relationship is already strained.

Add the crappy economy to the mix and you’re ready for a rumble. Some people may even break up on purpose during this time so they are not obligated to give an expensive gift. Besides, you may also have to visit in-laws. That, too, can be a fight waiting to happen.

While we can wallow in our extra weight and gooey beef stew, we can also get out, get a HappyLight and still eat healthy to stay sexy to help combat these hefty strains on our relationships.

What do you think?

Do you squabble more with your significant other once the colder weather hits?

Are you in the 0.0001 percent of folks who actually look sexy in a padded jacket?

Do you find ski masks alluring?

Are the holidays the best time to fight so you don’t have to buy a gift?