January is known as the month when many couples break up. Here's why this happens and some tips on how to prevent a breakup in the New Year.

As the holiday season comes to a close, many people find themselves reevaluating their relationships. It's not uncommon for couples to call it quits in the month of January, dubbed "Divorce Day" by some. According to a survey by Yahoo!, the period between December and Valentine's Day sees a significant increase in consideration for breakups compared to the rest of the year. The reasons behind this trend are multifaceted.

For one, the stressful nature of the holiday season can often be the final straw for struggling relationships. As psychotherapist Dr. Karen Phillip explains, December is a month filled with heightened anxiety, tight finances, and limited time. It's no wonder that many couples choose to wait until January to avoid adding more stress to an already tense situation.

Professional dating coach Jacob Lucas adds that the pressure of the holidays can build up until it reaches a boiling point, leading to explosive arguments and ultimately, a breakup. It's also common for individuals to take stock of their lives in the clarity of the New Year, reevaluating their relationships and deciding if they want to continue on the same path.

This period of reflection often leads to an increase in couples seeking help. Therapists report a surge in enquiries for couples' counselling services in January, with spikes after Christmas. BACP therapist Lindsay George believes that this is because people don't want to start another year feeling unhappy in their relationship and seek additional support to work through their issues.

To help couples navigate these challenges, a group of BACP therapists known as "the couples collective" offer free advice in the form of a handy booklet. The tips in this booklet cover a range of topics, from managing expectations during the holidays to dealing with jealousy over social media and exploring the option of an open relationship.

According to the couples collective, the issues that couples face today are vastly different from those of five years ago. In addition to traditional relationship problems, couples now must navigate socio-economic challenges, such as the cost of living crisis, and the impact of social media on their relationships. The pamphlet provides practical advice on how to work through these issues together or when it might be time to seek professional help.

If you find yourself struggling in your relationship during this time of year, remember to communicate openly with your partner, respect each other's boundaries, and work as a team to tackle the challenges of the holiday season. And if all else fails, don't hesitate to seek help from a therapist or couples' counselor. After all, a new year can mean a new relationship status, but it doesn't have to be a negative one.

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