Dating expert explains 'real reason' why break-ups are most common over Christmas
There's obviously no perfect time to have your heartbroken, but being brutally dumped during the festive period is one of the nastiest ways to go.
Just when you thought you'd secured your happily ever after - that you and your special someone would walk hand-in-hand through the snow and watch The Holiday each Christmas for the rest of your lives - life deals you an unforeseen blow.
You wouldn't be alone in your misery however, as countless studies have found that the most common time for relationships to end is between December and February.
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But according to relationship expert and founder of the Wingman dating app Tina Wilson, there's a way to prevent this winter heartbreak.
The first thing you have to do, however, is get your head around the most likely reasons that your partner may have called it quits this festive season.
"There is a noticeable trend of relationship breakdowns occurring between December and February," Tina exclusively told Tyla.
"While there isn't a definitive reason for this, there are several factors that could contribute."
The first reason you're more likely to be dumped during the winter months is apparently due to the pressure of gift-giving.
"A cynic might say that gifting pressures will separate the casual and serious relationships highlighting the spendthrifts who do not wish to spend money on a partner," Tina explained.
"Especially one they see as not important, but also not wanting to define a relationship with the gifts that are bought under pressure.
"With Christmas and Valentine's so close together perhaps this is the time to save some pennies and become single once more."
Another factor that could lead to tension building up in your relationship over Christmas is the hotly-debated discussion on whose family you'll spend the 'big day' with.
The relationship expert added: "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."
Tina continued: "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.
"These added pressures can exacerbate existing issues within relationships."
Being that Christmas, New Year's and Valentine's Day are traditionally times for dramatic life alterations, moments of reflection and introspection, is it any surprise that so many girlfriends/boyfriends suddenly decide they'd rather be single?
"People may evaluate their lives and relationships, leading them to reassess their happiness and satisfaction," Tina disclosed.
"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.
"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."
The more you know, eh?
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.
Topics: Christmas, Sex and Relationships
Rhianna Benson