In a world full of dating trends like ghosting, cuffing, catfishing and roaching, the festive season is dedicated to a lesser known term called 'Marleying'.

This is the, 'heightened urge to contact an ex over the Christmas period (compared to other times), usually in the hope of rekindling an old romance'. Is that a cheeky grin I sense?

It's got nothing to do with Bob Marley, or the dog from Marley & Me - the source of the name is from Dickens' A Christmas Carol. 

Remember Jacob Marley? The chained and tormented ghost who warned Ebenezer Scrooge to change his ways? Well that's where it originated.

So if you're thinking of messaging a couple of exes over the coming weeks (drunk or otherwise), think of what happened to poor Jacob. Ya...exactly. 

Maria explains the concept on Dermot and Dave.

Check out the fun in full by pressing the play button in the image at the top of the screen.