The most popular breakup day of the year is almost here
The holidays are fast approaching, and if you’re hoping to be kissed under the mistletoe, remember: It’s OK to not have a romance tis’ the season — especially if your relationship is on the rocks. While the most wonderful day of the year is on its way, so is the most popular breakup day of the year.
According to research from the Flirtini dating app, breakups surge around December 11th — an unofficially recognized "Breakup Day" worldwide — and three-quarters of daters have had a relationship end during the holiday season.
But why do folks break up over the holidays? What is the true culprit? How can you tell if your lover is about to hand you an end instead of a gift? We break down the most popular day for splits, below.
Why the holiday break brings breakups
So why all the heartbreak? Flirtini — a dating app meant to unleash your flirty nature — wanted to find out. Here are the main culprits of all the breaking up:
The pressure to invite a partner to holiday gatherings, according to 50.6 percent of folks
According to 45.9 percent of people, the feeling of being rushed to commit to a relationship was a huge factor
Think gift giving is easy? For 40 percent of people, the anxiety of gift-giving puts a serious strain on their relationships
How to make the most of the holiday season (without a partner!)
Whether you’re already single, or you have a feeling that a breakup is coming, you can still. make the most of your holiday season — all it takes is a little pleasure. At Bloomi, we recommend:
Having a little ‘me’ time! With our ‘Me Time’ bundle, you can on focus your self-care with our essentials: the Massage Clitoral and Body Vibrator and Smooth Personal Water-Based Lubricant.
Have an orgasm! Research shows that self-pleasure and orgasms can lead to an improved mood, relieve stress, strengthen relationships, and even help you sleep. With our Orgasm bundle, get our Indulge double-sided vibe, Desire pleasure oil and an oil-based lubricant.
5 signs they have one foot out the door
So with Breakup Day approaching, how can you tell if your partner has one foot out the door? Anastasiya Pochotna, the app’s dating expert, has shared five red flags to watch out for this holiday season.
According to Anastasiya Pochotna, If you’re noticing these changes in your partner, they might be emotionally preparing to walk away.
1. Their compliments sound like an exit interview.
“Pay attention to how they’re complimenting you,” she says, “If their praise has shifted to sound like it’s meant for your next partner—“You’re so kind, anyone would be lucky to have you”—this isn’t just kindness; it’s distancing. It’s a tactic to soften the blow, framing you as the perfect partner… for someone else.”
They may also pair these compliments with statements like, “I feel like I’m holding you back” or “You deserve someone who can give you what you need.” These aren’t humblebrags; they’re preludes to walking away.
2. They’re suddenly unavailable for you but free for everyone else.
When someone’s about to end a relationship, they often emotionally detach first—and their calendar will show it.
According to Pochotna, notice if they’re canceling plans with you more frequently, claiming to be too busy or tired, but then making time for “catching up with friends” or suddenly getting into hobbies they never cared about before. They might even become vague about their schedule or avoid confirming future plans altogether.
3. They’ve started picking unnecessary fights over random stuff.
When someone’s checked out emotionally, they often look for reasons to validate their feelings. This can show up as nitpicking — complaining about things they never cared about before, like how you fold laundry, your taste in music, or even how you chew. It’s their way of creating tension to make the eventual breakup feel inevitable or justified. The shift from light-hearted disagreements to constant bickering is a major sign that they’re looking for an escape hatch.
4. They avoid talking about the future, especially with you in it.
“In healthy relationships, even small conversations often include some kind of future planning, whether it’s next weekend’s plans or a dream vacation six months away,” she explains, “If they’ve stopped mentioning future events or worse, dodge those conversations when you bring them up, it’s a red flag.”
They might brush off questions about future holidays or shared goals, saying they “haven’t thought that far ahead.” Spoiler: they have thought that far ahead, and they’re imagining a version of it without you.
5. They’re on a solo self-improvement kick, and you’re not part of it.
People grow and change in relationships, but if their sudden push for personal growth completely excludes you, that’s a sign they’re mentally detaching. Maybe they’ve joined a gym, started taking language classes, or made other big life changes and there’s no “we” in the conversation.
They’re framing their new identity as a solo project, not something you’re invited to share in. It might feel inspiring at first, but if you’re constantly left out of the picture, they could be preparing to move on without you.