Today is the day people are most likely to start an affair
With the New Year in full swing, people are hard at work at getting their resolutions off the ground, be it learning a new skill, hitting the gym, or - for some - turning their lives upside down by starting an affair.
People who are seeking a secret romance in addition to their existing relationship are most likely to start their affair on Monday 8 January, according to new data - the same day as the dreaded Divorce Day.
Extramarital dating site IllicitEncounters.com revealed that it is expecting registrations to rise by more than a third (36%) by the end of this week, and has dubbed 8 January the “Blue Monday for relationships”.
It so happens to fall on the first Monday back at work after the holiday season, dubbed Divorce Day by those working in the legal profession due to the rise in divorce enquiries and searches on Google on this day.
IllicitEncounters.com polled 750 people who registered on its website within the last week and found that the top resolution for those surveyed was to get a divorce or end an unhappy relationship.
More than half (56%) of respondents also said their top priority for 2024 was to have more sex.
Jessica Leoni, a spokesperson for the dating site, said: “The festive period is one of the biggest annual hurdles couples have to face. With offices closed and the kids at home, the period from Christmas to New Year forces families to spend an intense amount of time together.
“As a result, it can shine a light on any relationship cracks, intensifying feelings of isolation or unfulfillment within a marriage. Combine that with the fact that the start of a new year often prompts people to reflect on their lives, reassess their happiness, and contemplate change.”
She adds: “For some, this introspection may lead to the realisation that their current relationships aren’t up to scratch.
“It’s the perfect recipe for starting an affair – a spotlight on a faltering marriage plus hopes for change and increased happiness equals seeking new connections, new adventures and making potentially life-changing decisions. Is it any wonder divorce lawyers and extramarital dating sites are so hugely popular at this time of the year?”
Family solicitor Mandeep Clair wrote for Grant Saw Solicitors that there are several reasons why people might choose January to start the divorce process.
“One person may be struggling with the marriage before the festive season,” she said. “If they have children, the Christmas period is supposed to be a magical time so they commit to providing one last happy period as a family.
“By January, if it is still not working, they know it may be time to consider their options and move on.”
But, as shown by IllicitEncounters.com’s data, not everyone is ready to take the plunge and file for divorce. Some unhappy partners may choose to begin an affair instead, which often leads to emotional stress and messy breakups if and when the extramarital relationship is exposed.
Signs your partner may be cheating on you
Private investigator Laura Lyons told Yahoo UK there are three main signs to look out for that might mean your partner is conducting an affair.
They become emotionally and physically distant
They become protective of their phone and other devices
They change their routine significantly
Other signs that could suggest a partner is cheating include:
Spending money in places you haven’t been together
Secret credit cards
Gaslighting
Watch: Is He Cheating On You? 5 Tell-Tale Signs Of Cheating To Look Out For
Read more about sex and relationships:
Private Investigator reveals top signs of an affair, as the Beckham's address rumours (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)
What is Divorce Day and why is it a thing? (Yahoo Life UK, 7-min read)
Having an affair makes cheaters happier in their marriage, survey finds (Yahoo Life UK, 2-min read)
