December 11 is known to be the day Australian couples most often call it quits due to rising tensions over the festive season.
Although Christmas is the most joyful time of the year, the pressure that comes with the season can make or break many couples.
Marian Cartwright, social worker and general manager at The Banyans Healthcare, told FEMAIL there is an 'abundance of stress' around the busy Christmas holidays.
'Couples in particular may face a host of dilemmas this year – from financial pressures due to cost of living pressures, family responsibilities, work pressure and increased family responsibilities. That's why it's not unusual for couples to struggle to make time for each other,” she explains.
'New research from Sana Health Group shows that one in five Australians admit they pass on work stress to their families. So it's no surprise that as the year draws to a close and stress increases, relationships can suffer.”
December 11 was determined as the most common break day, in part after analyzing hundreds of Facebook status updates throughout the year (stock image)
December 11 was determined as the most common break day, in part after analyzing hundreds of Facebook status updates throughout the year.
Someone who wants to end a relationship might do so two weeks before Christmas, so as not to be “too cruel” and ruin December 25 for their soon-to-be ex.
“The timing of December 11 being the unofficial 'Day of Divorces' is also unique in that it is early December, not too far from the New Year, but not too close to Christmas itself to dampen the festivities. that balance that can push them to make a change,” Marian said.
Marian added that Christmas is also a time when couples reflect on the year, which can reinforce unresolved issues.
“Even seemingly innocuous activities like gift giving can trigger and cause couples to rethink who they are with,” she said.
Marian suggested some ways to avoid heartbreak during the Christmas season and said the solution could be “two-fold.”
“Some stressors can certainly be avoided if the couple focuses on communicating clearly with each other and learning the other's preferred style,” she said.
'Extremely busy periods can mean couples often forget to check in with each other and connect, which, if continually forgotten, can develop into a bigger problem.'
The social workers said not to forget to check in with your partner by asking how they are feeling mentally and emotionally and what support they need.
“At the end of the day, everyone just wants to be seen, heard and cared for by their loved ones,” she said.
Alternatively, Marian said the reflections couples make as the end of the year approaches can lead them to realize that their relationship may no longer “serve” them, which is “completely natural.”
“People grow and change throughout the year, and what is needed for their individual mental well-being can become more apparent during times of high pressure,” she said.
'That's why it's important to check in with yourself and ask if you feel fulfilled and happy, or if it's time to start over and create a new chapter.