How to Survive the January Breakup Frenzy

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A couple of decades ago, before I met my current husband, I was married to someone else. Our marriage wasn't going well, but I thought we were "working on it." Turns out, he didn't. We made it through holidays, but just barely, and shortly after Valentine's Day, he announced his intention to separate. Looking back, it's clear our breakup was postponed until after December.

Social scientists have long documented that the greatest number of breakups happen in January. By taking a look at why a new year triggers a spate of splits, you can take charge of your relationship and repair it... or at least control how it ends.

The bottom-line is that people are very reluctant to end relationships shortly before significant life events: the holidays, your birthday, Valentine's Day, New Year's, your anniversary, to name a few. Airline flights have been reserved and commitments to friends and family have been made. All of that adds up to a mountain of obligations, and the easy path is to put it off.

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