This is Why Lots of Couples in Virginia Are Breaking Up Right Now

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, but before you finalize those romantic plans, you might want to brace yourself—because this is the most popular week of the year for breakups.

The Rise of ‘Red Tuesday’

Dubbed ‘Red Tuesday,’ the Tuesday before Valentine’s Day sees more couples calling it quits than any other day of the year. A study of 1,200 people found that 36 percent of breakups happen in the week leading up to February 14, and a whopping 66 percent of those occur specifically on this dreaded Tuesday.

Why So Many Breakups Right Before Valentine’s Day?

Why? Well, according to the study by Illicit Encounters, more than a quarter of participants admitted they simply wanted to avoid the pressures of Valentine’s Day. Another 27 percent said they couldn’t stand the guilt of pretending to have feelings they no longer had.

And if you’re hoping for a face-to-face goodbye, think again. The majority of Red Tuesday breakups happen over the phone (33 percent) or, even worse, via text message (29 percent). Ouch.

Who’s Most Likely to Break Up on Red Tuesday?

Millennial men are leading the charge in Red Tuesday heartbreaks, while Boomers are staying steady, making up only 8 percent of those who call it quits on this day.

“Red Tuesday breakups happen because people don’t want to fake their feelings on Valentine’s Day. Rather than go through the motions of romance, they’d prefer to be honest—even if it means heartbreak,” explains sex and relationships expert Jessica Leoni.

She adds, “It’s also a time when people reflect on their relationship and decide if they truly see a future together. Some feel trapped by Valentine’s Day expectations, and instead of putting in effort for a relationship they don’t see lasting, they cut ties instead.”

So, if your partner has been acting a little distant lately, you might want to prepare yourself—because Red Tuesday is here, and it’s not holding back.

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