As 'National Breakup Month' is fast approaching, a dating expert has spilled the beans on the subtle signs your partner might be planning to dump you in the new year.
January is arguably the bleakest month of the year, what with most of us being broke and feeling frumpy from splurging out on Christmas presents and gorging on all the festive treats.
Yet if that's not bad enough, it's also renowned for break ups.
Fortunately, relationship experts have weighed in on the signals you can watch out for that might indicate your not-so nearest-and-dearest has plans to call it quits in the new year.
Failing to show up
While 'tis the season for a hefty line-up of commitments, from work parties to traveling to visit relatives, your life partner should still make the effort to pencil in plans with you.
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Dr Wendy Walsh, DatingAdvice.com in-house expert and Psychology Professor at California State University Channel Islands, told UNILAD that at the top of red flags is when your other half becomes a 'no show'.
"Making excuses about why they can’t attend public events like your office holiday party or a shared meal with your parents," as well as failing to appear at 'an event that was important to you' is a pretty dire sign, she explained.
Not being invited at all is another, perhaps obvious, painful indicator.
Communication becomes stale
Dr Walsh added 'longer spaces between calls, texts, and dates' should also ring alarm bells that your other half is disengaging.
Claire Rénier, relationship expert at real-life dating app happn, explained further how dwindling communication over Christmas doesn't look good for longevity.
She said: "Christmas can be one of the busiest weeks of the year, so putting consistent effort into staying connected over the holidays is a good sign of long-term commitment.
"Frequent communication with your partner, whether you’re celebrating Christmas together or apart, highlights that they want to prioritise spending time with you.
"On the flip side, if you find that you’re always the one reaching out to them and they don’t seem particularly engaged or responsive, it may be a sign that they don’t see the relationship lasting the year."
When a partner 'goes quiet' during key moments and milestones, offers vague explanations for their sudden absence or treats communication as an afterthought, they could be 'signalling that the relationship is not as significant to them as it is to you', Rénier noted.
Social media blackout
If it's the norm for your partner to post coupley snaps and you find you're suddenly being featured less and less on the grid, it might be time to consider that your days together are numbered.
Dr Walsh listed an 'absence of couple photos being posted on social media' as a major concern.
However, it may not be the death knell you think it is, as some experts warn that while the 'honeymoon phase' might have dropped off, your other half may simply feel secure enough that they don't feel the need to broadcast your relationship.
They may also generally prefer to keep intimacy to themselves, valuing your time together more than a soppy Instagram post.
On the other hand, and especially if they continue to post other people or activities on socials, it could be a sinister sign they're deliberately hiding you, potentially due to infidelity or simply no longer feeling committed.
No plans in 2026
Rénier added that as we head to the new year, it's generally a good sign that your relationship is built to last if you're in their future plans.
"December often prompts people to reflect on the year ahead, so the absence of 'we' can be telling," the expert explained.
"If you are worried about your partner’s long-term commitment, try asking them about their plans for 2026.
"If they discuss their plans for the new year, upcoming trips, or lifestyle changes and never reference how these things might intersect with your relationship, it can suggest they no longer see you as part of their long-term picture."
Topics: Christmas, Sex and Relationships, Life
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