As we edge closer to Christmas, familiar patterns emerge.
The work functions, social events and family obligations start piling up.
Friends start playing Whamageddon, a social media game where the aim is to go for as long as possible without hearing Wham’s “Last Christmas”.
A certain Mariah Carey song becomes ubiquitous again.
And in between all the stress, running around and cultural pressure to be merry and festive, people take stock of the year that was and look to the year ahead.
They also take stock of their relationships and marriages.
So much so that some data experts claim that there is one day of the year on which couples are more likely to break up than any other.
That day is December 11. Or, as it may henceforth be called, “Break Up Day”.
Why December 11?
Possible explanations include:
- Our aforementioned tendency to reflect on things at the end of the year.
- The busy festive period causing people stress and putting pressure on their relationships.
- The idea that December 11 is close but not too close to Christmas.
- People realising that they would rather not have to bring their partner to awkward family gatherings and social events.
- People perhaps subconsciously thinking that if they don’t break up with their partner any sooner than two weeks prior to Christmas, it will be too late and they will be obligated to buy their partner a present.
Whatever the reasons, the concept of Break Up Day is a helpful reminder that we should take time to look after ourselves as we hurtle towards the end of 2022 and prepare for 2023.
If you have any legal questions about your relationship, marriage or family law issues, please feel free to contact our family law team.