Ah, January—the month filled with resolutions like dieting, detoxing, and, surprisingly, divorce? Or at least that used to be the case before COVID-19 shook everything up. Now, diets seem less appealing (who’s giving up coffee when the world’s in chaos?), and couples are finding ways to stick together through the storm. The month once dubbed “Divorce January” is taking on a new meaning.
Understanding the Shift in ‘Divorce January’
To grasp how “Divorce January” might have changed, we first need to consider why it existed in the first place. Are people simply acting on their New Year’s resolutions? Or perhaps they’re waiting for the holiday season to end before making significant life changes? With tax season looming and year-end bonuses coming into play, there may be practical financial reasons too.
“It’s common for people to avoid rocking the boat during the holidays, wanting to have a peaceful time with their family. Once the celebrations are over, they often decide they can’t spend another year with their spouse and file for divorce,” said Jamie Thompson, a family law expert.
Surprising Trends in Divorce Rates
Interestingly, the trend of divorce rates has taken a different turn than anticipated. In a recent chat with WGN-Radio, Alex Martinez, a sociologist at the University of Denver, noted that divorce rates have actually decreased over the past year and a half. “When the pandemic hit in March 2020, many thought we’d see a surge in divorces. However, it turns out that couples have been leaning on each other during these tough times,” he explained.
While we might still see an uptick in divorce filings in January and beyond, Martinez doesn’t expect “Divorce January” to resemble previous years. Surveys from 2020 revealed that many couples felt more appreciative of their marriages, finding strength in their partnerships.
“This suggests that, overall, people are more inclined to stick with their marriages. Marriage remains a vital source of social connection and financial stability in today’s world,” Martinez added. In a way, it’s heartening to see that relationships are thriving despite the challenges of the pandemic—well, at least as comforting as anything can be in these times.
Exploring Family Planning Options
If you’re interested in exploring family planning options, you might want to check out the Make a Mom site for at-home insemination, which includes a re-usable option that can make the process smoother. Plus, you can join the Make a Mom Facebook group to connect with others on this journey. For a detailed look at how it all works, visit this link. And if you’re curious about more insights on home insemination, check out this blog post that dives deeper into the subject. For additional resources on pregnancy and home insemination, take a look at CCRM IVF’s blog.
In summary, while January has historically been associated with divorce filings, the pandemic seems to have strengthened many marriages instead. As couples navigate these uncertain times together, the concept of “Divorce January” may not be as prominent as it once was.
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