Sadly, it's officially 'National Breakup Season'

Tis the season for heartbreak, statistics say.

By Kristin Wong Jan 7, 2013 5:18PM

If taking down decorations and heading back to work aren't bad enough, there's something new to dread in January: heartbreak.

We didn't even know this was a thing, but according to the New York Post, the period from late December to Valentine's Day has come to be known as "National Breakup Season." And yes, we're in full swing.

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In 2010, a Yahoo dating survey analyzed the Facebook status updates of 10,000 users. The survey found a steady increase in breakups right after Thanksgiving, with a peak just before Christmas and a spike right before spring.

Dating site We Love Dates recently put together an interesting infographic that illustrated similar findings. The Heart Beat talked to a spokesperson from the site who offered an explanation of the phenomenon:

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"We decide what things we'd like to bring with us into the new year, and what things and people are better left in the past. It's the perfect time to establish a clean slate in regards to our love lives."

With a little over a month to go, is your love life in danger? In honor (or warning) of National Breakup Season, The Post put together a list of signs that you might be getting the relationship axe. Here are a few of the most noteworthy:

No phone calls: Tamsen Fadal, author of "Why Hasn't He Called?" explained this warning sign to The Post: "The sweet little phone calls you used to have daily have been whittled down to short, quick calls that have to do with details." If your significant other is cutting back on the communication, it could be a breakup red flag.
The change-up: Does your partner want you to be someone else? Is the feeling mutual? When both parties are trying to change the other, it could mean a breakup is on the horizon.
What's wrong? What are you thinking about? What's wrong? Fadal explains that when you start asking questions like this, it could be your instincts kicking in. "If you hear yourself asking those questions, you need to quickly turn them inward and answer them for yourself."

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60Comments

Newest

Apr 12, 2013 6:46PM

When the weather warms up the 'bear' goes into the meadow and picks new flowers. Maybe you should 'pretty up.'

Previous replies

jetboyrd

Jan 23, 2013 3:00AM

What do you mean sadly?, where the hell was this when I needed to get rid of my ex???.

Previous replies

JoJo612

Jan 22, 2013 11:02PM

Ha! I didn't need a story like this to tell me it is so.. but the list of 3 Fadal compiles fits my sich to a tee.. lol

Previous replies

the antagonizer

Jan 22, 2013 9:14PM

If you got dumped, that sucks, but they were not happy with you so move on.

IF you dumped somebody, good for you, it can be hard but it will work out.

Relationships are dynamic. Most break ups are because of sex or finances. IF you dont get laid or you don't get paid OR BOTH... prepare to be single.

Previous replies

Leo_22

Jan 22, 2013 7:38PM

Life is too short to waste it with someone that's not worth it !

Previous replies

USA - Common Sense

Jan 22, 2013 6:44PM

It's also the engagement season. I work for a bridal company and busy season is between Christmas and Valentines Day all the way through June. Lots of people get engage this time of year. So I guess for every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction.

Previous replies

BillsS

Jan 22, 2013 5:57PM

Never fun or easy. This is why I am very hesitant to take any relationship to the level of moving in or making long range plans. I have done it twice in my life, both 10 + years relationships with kids, pets, relatives, jobs, life changes, and all the rest of it. I never got married because I always felt there were too many issues or major issues that would never be solved. They weren't so I saved myself from all the divorce nonsense. However, both were tough. It takes at least year to be able to think clearly, One or two more to move on, and still, somehow they remain in your heart, in your mind, and a part of your life. I don't live on regrets or live in the past, so I do move on. But it's not fun or easy so have a good time and don't get serious UNLESS you are prepared to deal with the what-ifs if it doesn't work out.