With ‘National Breakup Month’ on the horizon, a dating expert has revealed key indicators that your partner might be contemplating ending the relationship in the new year.
January is often considered a challenging month, marked by post-holiday financial strain and perhaps a sense of sluggishness due to holiday indulgences.
To make matters worse, it is also a notorious time for breakups.
Thankfully, relationship experts have shared insights into behaviors that could hint your partner is considering a split as the new year begins.
Despite the busy holiday season filled with various commitments, from work events to family gatherings, your significant other should still make an effort to spend time with you.
Dr. Wendy Walsh, a Psychology Professor at California State University Channel Islands and expert for DatingAdvice.com, highlights that a partner being a ‘no show’ is a key red flag.
“Excuses for missing public events, like your office holiday party, or avoiding family meals,” along with not attending events important to you, are significant warning signs, she noted.
Not being invited to such events at all is another clear, yet potentially painful, indicator.
Dr. Walsh also pointed out that increased gaps between calls, texts, and outings could signify your partner is pulling away.
Claire Rénier, a relationship expert for the dating app Happn, elaborated on how decreased communication during the holidays might not bode well for the relationship’s future.
She stated: “The holidays can be hectic, so maintaining consistent communication is a positive sign of commitment for the long term.”
“Regular contact, whether spent together or apart, shows a desire to prioritize the relationship during this busy season.”
Conversely, if you find yourself always initiating contact and your partner seems disinterested, it may indicate they don’t see the relationship enduring the next year.
When a partner becomes quiet during significant moments, provides vague reasons for absence, or treats communication as an afterthought, they might be indicating that the relationship holds less importance to them than it does to you, Rénier explained.
If your partner typically shares couple photos on social media and suddenly you’re less visible, it might suggest the relationship is nearing its end.
Dr. Walsh identified the lack of shared photos on social platforms as a major concern.
However, this might not necessarily spell the end, as some experts suggest that once the ‘honeymoon phase’ wanes, your partner might simply feel secure in the relationship without needing to display it publicly.
They might also prefer to keep intimate moments private, valuing time together over social media displays.
However, if they continue to post about others or activities and exclude you, it might be a sign they’re intentionally keeping you off their social media, possibly due to infidelity or loss of commitment.
Rénier commented that a promising sign for the relationship’s longevity is being included in your partner’s future plans as the new year approaches.
“As December encourages reflection on the upcoming year, the absence of ‘we’ in plans can be revealing,” the expert explained.
“If you’re concerned about your partner’s long-term commitment, try inquiring about their plans for 2026.”
“If their discussions about the new year, future trips, or lifestyle changes omit references to your relationship, it could suggest they no longer envision you in their long-term plans.”