Is St Valentine a friend or foe when it comes to relationships?

Valentine’s Day is celebrated internationally as the official day of love. However, the 21st February, just one week after this special day, has come to be known as “break up” day. 

Relationship experts, Dr Dmitry Loktionov and Kate Tikhomirova have explained to Woman & Home magazine that, “Valentine’s Day can set expectations too high, and many couples are forced to re-evaluate their relationship after a disappointing day that is supposed to celebrate love”.  

It is thought that social media also plays a role in  why “break-up” day has become such a phenomenon. Couples are exposed to so much content and imagery on social media of other people’s marriage proposals, extravagant romantic gestures, experiences, and gifts, which causes people to look inward on their own relationships and compare. 

A disappointing Valentines Day can also be considered by many to be the “final straw” in deciding to end their relationship or marriage if there were already issues and unhappiness in the relationship.   

Our family law experts are used to seeing date specific increases in divorce enquiries, such as “Divorce Day” which is typically the first working Monday post the Christmas break, and a rise in new enquiries post the summer school holidays. 

At MSB, we have noticed an upward trend in new file openings for divorce and financial matters post Valentine’s Day, based on a comparison of our 2021 to 2022 statistics. We are keen to see whether this increase in new instructions continues in 2023. 

Our award-winning family team, who are recognised in Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, provide sector-leading services and advice, guiding our clients through the very best solutions for them. We build long-lasting relationships based on mutual trust, respect, and results. Get in touch with our team of experts to arrange a consultation. 

Should you require any advice on relationship breakdown, please contact John Owens in our family team via email Johnowens@msbsolicitors.co.uk or via telephone at 0151 281 9040.