So it isn’t just me that feels like everyone is breaking up? From celebrities to close friends… what’s the deal with all the relationship turmoil?
According to The Separation Guide, separation enquiries jumped by 37% in December and 41% in January compared to last year. December 29 was a standout, with an 88% increase in online queries.
The end-of-year period brings unique pressures. Christmas often becomes a last-ditch effort to keep things together, with many couples resolving to make a fresh start in January. Financial stressors like the rising cost of living and interest rate hikes only add to the strain, making this a peak time for relationship breakdowns.
“There’s something about the week between Christmas and New Year—it gets people reflecting on their lives,” says Angela Harbinson, CEO of The Separation Guide.
For many, the holiday period offers privacy and space to consider their next steps. January’s quiet workdays can provide time to research options, away from prying eyes.
While February is often dubbed “divorce month” by family law experts, it’s clear the groundwork is laid much earlier. These numbers highlight a challenging reality: the emotional and financial toll of separation is often felt long before the new year begins.
