If you’re in an unstable relationship right now, you should be afraid. Be very afraid. According to several “reports”, January is the break-up month. That’s right, cold temperatures and cold hearts.
One would think with the cold temperatures, there’d be a lot more snuggling going on, but apparently not so. January appears to be the month that most couples call it quits. Happy New Year, we’re through!
The cynic in me tells me that it’s the perfect time to break-up. Right after Christmas and just before Valentine’s Day. I imagine that if your Christmas gift wasn’t as bomb as it usually is, that was a sign. Didn’t you find it odd that your girlfriend of 3 years all of a sudden got you shirts in the wrong size? She wanted you to give them back so she could get a refund. No need to spend another dime of this thing. And just in time to get started with the person we had waiting in the wings.
All of a sudden, no one complained when you said that you’d just eat Thanksgiving dinner with your own family. The year was winding down and so was your relationship. But if you’re being dumped, never fear. Whether you’re doing the dumping or being dumped, a new year represents a new beginning for all. Once you’ve gotten past those awkward dinners during the holidays where people can sense something wasn’t quite right, but they didn’t know how serious it was, then it’s time to move on.
What’s interesting in all of this is how we all view the holidays. It’s either a time of joy, a time of stress or a time of sadness. Either way, even the unhappiest of couples don’t wanna be alone. They still need someone to make the party circuit with. But once that’s over, all bets are off and we’re all standing around on January 10th saying “They seemed so happy”.
At the same time, some people hold on to relationships to keep up appearances. There’s family and there are friends that are used to seeing two people together, especially when it comes to long-term relationships. You’re often not only breaking up with people, you’re breaking up with each other’s families. Sometimes you just don’t wanna disrupt the holidays. But by January 2nd, you’re ready to make some decisions about your own life. I guess everybody can take a break-up as long as it doesn’t ruin Christmas.
More than anything, January represents new beginnings. People have often made resolutions and vowed to change some things and some people in their lives. Sometimes, that means a relationship is over. You want to leave the baggage of the previous year behind and at times, that means a new boyfriend or girlfriend. Nothing wrong with that. I support new beginnings. But from a mental health standpoint, when a relationship is over, it needs to be over as soon as possible. No need in holding on to a relationship just because it’s only October.
Just remember, when people make New Year’s resolutions, they often fall off the wagon by February. If it’s gotta be over, make sure it’s over.
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