'My January divorce was the worst thing I’ve been through in my life - but I'm grateful'

ok.co.uk:

The festive season fades, and as the fireworks fizzle out, January rings in as a period of fresh starts for many. It’s a time when resolutions about healthier lifestyles take centre stage, but it's also marked by a less joyful occasion, known in legal circles as 'Divorce Day'.The day signals the 'surge in break-ups' according to law firms, with enquiries rocketing between 25-50% during this month.

Ammanda Major, head of clinical practice at Relate, confirms to us that this is indeed a busy time for relationship counsellors.

She said: "For many people, there are a lot of expectations around Christmas." She observes that for those in strained relationships or long-term ruts, the holidays often fall short of hopes, leading to January being a time for change.

In relationships that are in difficulty or have been in a stalemate for years, Christmas then fails to deliver what was hoped for.