Featured Image Credit: Pexels
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Christmas
Rhianna Benson
The festive season can be the most romantic time of year for some loved-up couples.
Winter walks through the snow, cuddling up to watch Love, Actually with hot chocolates in hand, romantic candlelit dinners, sharing oversized hoodies - I mean, is there anything more adorable?
While the colder months bring some couples closer together, however, it can sadly have the opposite affect for other lovers.
Advert
In fact, countless studies have indicated that the vast majority of break-ups occur between the months of December and February.
But what exactly is it about this time of year that gives many girlfriends/boyfriends cold feet (pardon the pun)?
Well, according to Relationship Expert and founder of the Wingman App, Tina Wilson, there could be any number of reasons why couples call it quits over Christmas.
"There is a noticeable trend of relationship breakdowns occurring between December and February," she told Tyla.
"While there isn't a definitive reason for this, there are several factors that could contribute."
One of the reasons that the festive period sees so many couples going their separate ways, Tina believes, could be due to 'gifting pressures', which she believes can separate the casual and serious relationships, 'highlighting the spendthrifts who do not wish to spend money on a partner'.
"But also not wanting to define a relationship with the gifts that are bought under pressure," she explains.
"With Christmas and Valentine's so close together perhaps this is the time to save some pennies and become single once more."
Tina goes on to explain that the often-awkward debate surrounding whose family you'll spend Christmas Day with can lead to some tensions in the relationships.
She said: "Additionally the holiday season can put additional pressure on relationships with the question of when and where you will celebrate - as a couple or apart.
"Will you meet families or are you not that serious? The inner questions can cause angst and many will want to bolt at the thought of sitting around the dinner table with potential in-laws - knowing they are being scrutinised and judged.
"There is a huge focus on this time of year bringing increased expectations and stress, such as planning gatherings, buying gifts, and managing family dynamics.
"This is a big one for fall out, having to mix with a social dynamic that is awkward - pretending to be happy and jovial when all you really want to do is watch Love, Actually again.
"These added pressures can exacerbate existing issues within relationships."
Lastly, Tina discloses that the reflection and introspection that often accommodates celebrations like Christmas, New Year's and Valentine's Day can contribute to a person's newfound desire to become single.
"People may evaluate their lives and relationships, leading them to reassess their happiness and satisfaction," she told us.
"This self-reflection, combined with the often high emotional expectations of the holidays, can sometimes lead to the realisation that a relationship may not be working as desired."
The dating pro continued: "Additionally, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that tends to occur during the fall and winter months when daylight hours are shorter.
"This condition can affect mood and energy levels, potentially impacting relationships."
Get in touch with Tina at www.tinawilson.co/contact or check out the Wingman App - a free dating app that lets your friends play matchmaker.