If you’ve ever wondered what Facebook did with the data behind relationship status updates, we have your answer: it knows what date people in relationships are most likely to break up.
In 2008 researchers used the statistics from Facebook to study when people are most likely to change their status from ‘In A Relationship’ to ‘Single’, and it turns out that day is December 11. Ever since, netizens have held onto the date, dubbing it ‘Breakup Day’.
While Facebook relationship statuses might be a thing of the past, the brutal holiday season dumping is not. A more recent study from Flirtini dating app survey found that three quarters of online daters have experienced a break up during the Christmas season.
As for the reasons why, the main theory goes that it has something to do with Christmas fast approaching. Could it be that it’s the perfect date that’s not too close to Christmas for it to be cruel, and far enough away that you don’t have to give them a present? Plus, you wouldn’t have to do the awkward family-introducing.
Perhaps the conversation around what you’re going to do for Christmas can make the relationship feel more serious than you’re ready for.
According to Clinical psychologist Rachel Harker who spoke to news.com.au on the matter, it has a lot to do with Christmas and the New Year serving as a time for reflection.
“As people look ahead to the new year, they may evaluate their lives. Any doubts or concerns about their relationship will likely feel amplified right now, prompting decisions for a fresh start,” she told the publication.
“This time of year can place increased stress and pressure on relationships,” she added. “Financial worries, family obligations, and the general chaos of the holiday season can even test stable relationships. If your relationship is already under strain, the increased stress during this period might be too much to survive.”
The other highest time of the year for breakups was in late March and the Tuesday before Valentine’s Day, which has come to be known as “Red Tuesday”. We can only assume the reasoning behind the pre-Valentine dumping is similar to that of Christmas.
While no one wants to be broken up with just before Christmas, at least you know you’re not alone.
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