If you thought surviving Christmas with the in-laws meant you’d passed the annual relationship test with flying colours, think again.
While the holidays can certainly put a strain on you and your partner, it’s January 5, that should have you quaking in your boots.
Today is the day most people turn to infidelity, with new registrations on cheating website IllicitEncounters.com forecast to rise 38% by the end of the week.
In fact, the site has had to bring in additional staff for the second year running to cope with the demand of people looking to cheat on their spouses.
It’s a bleak forecast and, unfortunately, it doesn’t stop there. Even if your partner isn’t cheating, a whopping 71% of site users said ending an unhappy relationship is a top priority for them in 2026.
It tracks, given January 5 is also widely known as ‘Divorce Day’, where lawyers see a spike in enquiries about divorce and legal filings.
Why people re-evaluate their relationships in January
For many of us, Christmas exposes the cracks in our already struggling relationships, meaning we go in search of comfort elsewhere or we choose to end it when we get that clarity in the new year.
‘January often acts like a mental reset,’ Dr Elena Touroni, psychologist and co-founder of the Chelsea Psychology Clinic, tells Metro. ‘After the holidays, people step back from the festivities and start reflecting on their lives, including their relationships.
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‘It’s a time when reality sets back in – unresolved tensions, unmet needs or long-standing dissatisfaction can feel more urgent once the distraction of the season is over. That reflection can prompt people to make decisions they may have been putting off.’
In a study by the infidelity site, a striking 64% said the festive period made them realise how unhappy they were in their relationship, while 49% admitted that spending extended time with their partner over Christmas confirmed feelings they had been trying to ignore.
‘In December, there’s pressure to organise celebrations, buy gifts, host family gatherings and manage expectations,’ Dr Touroni adds. ‘For relationships already under strain, these pressures can magnify irritability, conflict and frustration.
‘Exhaustion and heightened stress make it harder to communicate effectively, which can leave cracks in the relationship more exposed.’
The psychologist agrees that January holds a symbolic fresh start, which forces people to ‘evaluate what feels healthy, fulfilling or sustainable in their relationships’. It’s this that can prompt people to become unfaithful if they don’t want to consider divorce, or finally begin the separation process.
‘For some, that clarity highlights patterns they no longer want to maintain, making them more willing to take decisive steps, whether that’s committing more fully, seeking support or choosing to end things if it’s the right move for their wellbeing,’ she adds.
Signs your partner is going to cheat
- Relationship apathy: which may present as ‘indifference, emotional withdrawal, detachment and an overall lack of interest.’
- Cultivating a new, separate life: while independence is important, this kind of detachment from a partner usually suggests they’re ‘happier when you’re not around.’
- Privacy turns into secrecy: look out for them being guarded with their phone, refusing to tell you things, or becoming irritated (rather than offering reassurance) when you ask innocent questions.
- Increased criticism: this can be a way for a partner to ‘deal with the emotions from the changes they are making’, and attempt to ‘reduce their guilt about not being as interested in you.’
- History is rewritten: where people try to create past issues to justify what they plan to do in future. It’s easier to betray someone if you first convince yourself they were never really right for you.
For more warning signs from attachment-based psychotherapist Charisse Cooke and James Sexton, divorce lawyer and author of How Not to F*ck Up Your Marriage, see here.
Do people actually file for divorce on ‘Divorce Day’?
Despite the myth that there’s a huge spike in actual filings of divorce, multiple lawyers have come forward to say this isn’t necessarily true.
The reality is far more nuanced.
‘Despite the name, “Divorce Day” isn’t about people rushing into ending their marriages,’ managing director at The Family Law Company, Rachel Buckley, says.
‘What we see every January is a rise in people seeking clarity, reassurance and an understanding of their options after the pressures of Christmas.’
She explains a common misconception is that contacting a family lawyer sets in motion life-changing decisions, when actually, it can be helpful just to get all the information.
‘Many people are simply trying to understand where they stand, particularly when worries about finances, the family home or children feel overwhelming,’ Rachel adds.
‘For some, that clarity confirms divorce is the right step; for others, it provides perspective and a way through a difficult period.’
Actionable steps from a divorce expert this month...
Family law expert Julian Bremner has some handy tips for navigating through the uncertain period of a separation…
- Pause before acting: January often brings heightened emotions. Take time to reflect before making irreversible decisions.
- Get legal advice early: An initial conversation with a family lawyer does not commit you to divorce but helps you understand your options under current UK law.
- Consider communication: If safe and appropriate, discuss your intentions with your partner before filing, particularly given the option of a joint application.
- Consider the children: Plan how and when conversations will happen, and aim for consistency and reassurance.
- Review finances: Gather key financial documents early to avoid delays later, especially if mediation or negotiations are likely.
- Don’t put your life on hold: If the decision has been made, clarity and structure can help reduce long-term stress.
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