Recently researchers have found that people tend to get divorced when they have just come back from either a summer or winter vacation. Researchers think that it might have something to do with the fact that vacations are a domestic ritual that many couples have, and going on a vacation might exacerbate many of the problems that are already present in a relationship. This leads many couples to initiating a divorce shortly after returning from a vacation.
Key Takeaways:
- Similarly, the researchers found that divorce also spikes in March, a few months after the winter holidays. Brines suggests that the same issues may be involved during both peak periods – like finances, finding an attorney, taking the actual steps leading to divorce – but it may be that the start of the school year hastens decisions for couples with children in August.
- The researchers hypothesized that if the pattern was tied to family holidays, other court actions involving families – such as guardianship rulings – should show a similar trend. And that proved correct.
- The upshot of this study, in my view? Pay attention to your relationship throughout the year, and deal with whatever issues are brewing along the way. Don’t wait for vacation time to heal any conflicts. When you return you might conclude that your relationship is already beyond repair.
“When that doesn’t pan out as hoped, some couples may make a conscious decision to file for divorce in August – following the family vacation, and before the kids start back at school.”