It might be easier to feel like a Grinch this holiday season after seeing the results of an infographic from We Love Dates stating that the 12 days of Christmas are a peak time for breakups. But just because the odds are against you doesn’t mean you can’t beat the system, right? That was rhetorical, FYI.
In a chart entitled “The Anatomy of a Digital Relationship”, the dating sited used data from Facebook to ascertain that March and December are the most breakup-prone months, while August and September is when you’re most likely to reunite with your former partner.
But forget about March: let’s talk about December, as it’s upon us. Unfortunately, right now happens to be danger zone central, as many couples specifically split up in the two before Christmas.
I get it. There’s a lot of pressure during the holidays. There’s overeating, too much imbibing, a seemingly endless litany of social obligations, presents to buy, projects to finish, lofty New Year’s goals to be attempted for a last ditch attempt at completion. Stress combined with too much alcohol and a lack of time add up to make one serious recipe for disaster.
So how can you avoid the dreaded breakup? Let me count the ways. In fact, let me count the days…consider this to be your real Xmas countdown.
- Make time for each other. This sounds like the easiest rule in the book, but it’s actually one of the hardest during the holidays. Don’t let your social calendar prevent you from having a relationship.
- Don’t chat when you’re stressed. If you’re already in a terrible mood an on the attack, save seeing your respective other until you’re in a better place.
- Beware the booze. When alcohol is speaking, it never says anything very nice. If there’s something that’s been on your mind, wait until you’re sober to say it.
- Get a happy lamp. Sometimes avoiding a breakup is as easy as making yourself happy, and it’s been proven that light therapy can beat away the winter doldrums. Invest in a spectrum solar lamp, which effectively kills your SAD (seasonal affective disorder)-ness. My favorite: the Verilux Happy Light.
- Breathe. Take a moment to relax, whether it be through meditation, a massage or a good yoga session: it’ll do your body — and your boyfriend — good.
- Avoid shopping together. I never recommend shopping with a respective other, but it’s especially painful during the holidays. Brave the mall alone.
- Invest in mistletoe. It works. Just sayin’…
