In a revealing study that captures the emotional landscape of post-holiday breakups, we embarked on an ambitious survey of 3,300 Americans to uncover a trend that's often whispered about but seldom quantified: the phenomenon of relationships dissolving in the wake of the festive season. With Christmas jingles fading into the background, many people find themselves stepping into the New Year with a significant change in their relationship status. Our survey delves into this post-Christmas breakup phenomenon, offering a detailed breakdown across the United States. 

And while the post-Christmas period may herald a surge in singlehood for some, it's certainly not all doom and gloom in the world of romance. In fact, for many couples, the festive season acts as a catalyst for strengthening bonds and deepening commitments. The joy, warmth, and shared experiences of the holidays often bring couples closer together, solidifying their relationship in meaningful ways. As the New Year dawns, it's not uncommon for this renewed sense of closeness and affection to inspire grander gestures of love and commitment. For some, this might manifest in the form of a marriage proposal, turning the festive season into an unforgettable milestone in their relationship journey. This period becomes a time of reflection and forward-looking aspirations, where couples might choose to take their bond to the next level, embracing the New Year as an opportunity to grow and flourish together.

Overall it was found that more than 35 Million Americans have become single following Christmas, with most of those people hailing from California (4 million). The luckiest in love over the festive period appear to be those in Maine, where just 35k people are newly single.

Below are the top 10 states that have experienced the most notable surge in singles following this Christmas season. These states stand out for their particularly high rates of relationship dissolutions, offering a unique glimpse into the dynamics of holiday breakups across America.

TOP TEN STATES SEEING A SURGE IN SINGLEDOM:

1. California: 4,497,160 new singles.

2. Texas: 3,181,803 new singles.

3. New York: 2,622,149 new singles.

4. Florida: 2,564,979 new singles.

5. Ohio: 1,421,121 new singles.

6. Pennsylvania: 1,292,695 new singles.

7. Georgia: 1,224,671 new singles.

8. Illinois: 1,210,059 new singles.

9. North Carolina: 1,021,152 new singles.

10. New Jersey: 945,803 new singles.

To give you a more personalized view of love's landscape across the states, we've put together a detailed breakdown in the table below:

ADDITIONAL FINDINGS:

Delving deeper into our survey, an intriguing detail emerged: 40% of those currently in relationships expressed a desire to take the leap and propose to their partners in either January or February of this year. 

This statistic highlights a significant trend in relationship dynamics as the New Year unfolds. But why this surge in proposals in the first few months following Christmas? The reasons are multifaceted. Firstly, the festive season often brings with it a heightened sense of closeness and shared joy, setting a romantic backdrop for such life-changing decisions. Secondly, the New Year symbolizes new beginnings and fresh starts, making it an ideal time for couples to embark on a new chapter together. Furthermore, many people use the reflective nature of the holiday season to reassess their life goals and priorities, with relationships often coming into sharp focus. The combined effect of these factors creates a perfect storm for romance, inspiring many to propose in the early months of the year, riding the wave of festive emotions and the optimism of a new beginning.

Building on this romantic revelation, our survey unearthed that over half (56%) of couples prefer Valentine's Day as the ultimate occasion to propose. This preference underscores the enduring charm and symbolic significance of February 14th as a day of love and commitment. Valentine's Day, with its rich tradition of celebrating romance, serves as a magnet for proposals, offering an emotionally resonant backdrop for this life-altering question. The day's association with love and affection provides an almost storybook-like setting, enhancing the sentimentality and meaning of the proposal. For many, choosing this day adds an extra layer of romance and memorializes their commitment in the collective consciousness of love's most celebrated day. This preference showcases how deeply embedded Valentine's Day is in the romantic psyche, standing out as a preferred date for proposals among those looking to take their relationship to the next stage.

Engagement is not just a significant milestone in a relationship but also a moment filled with emotion, excitement, and anticipation. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life together, symbolizing love, commitment, and a shared future. This time of year, often characterized by colder weather and post-holiday calm, can provide a unique and romantic backdrop for a proposal. However, planning the perfect proposal can be as daunting as it is exciting. 

To help you navigate this momentous occasion, we've compiled a list of ten top tips:

1. Know Your Partner Well: Before taking this significant step, ensure you truly understand your partner's desires, dreams, and expectations for the future.

2. Discuss the Future Together: Have open conversations about your future plans, goals, and expectations. This ensures you're both on the same page regarding major life decisions.

3. Choose the Right Ring: Understand your partner's preferences in jewelry. Consider their style, the type of metal they prefer, and whether they'd like a traditional diamond or another gemstone.

4. Plan a Memorable Proposal: Tailor the proposal to your partner's personality. Whether it's a grand public gesture or a private intimate moment, make sure it's special and meaningful.

5. Capture the Moment: Arrange for a photographer or videographer to secretly capture your proposal. These photos or videos will be a cherished keepsake to relive the special moment.

6. Consider a Family Blessing: If it's important to you or your partner, seek the blessing of your families before the proposal. This can add a meaningful and traditional element to your engagement.

7. Select the Right Moment and Setting: Timing and location are crucial. Choose a moment and place that is significant and comfortable for both of you.

8. Budget Wisely: Be financially smart about the engagement. This includes budgeting for the ring and the proposal without putting yourself in a difficult financial situation.

9. Keep it a Surprise: If your partner enjoys surprises, try to keep the proposal plans under wraps to add an element of surprise and excitement.

10. Celebrate Afterward: Plan a small celebration after the proposal. It could be a dinner, a gathering with close friends and family, or a quiet evening together to savor the moment.

As we reflect on the unique blend of joy and challenges that the festive season brings, it's important to acknowledge that while Christmas can be a time of breakups, it also presents a silver lining. For those finding themselves single, it's a chance to dive into the exciting world of dating and meeting new people, each encounter potentially leading to wonderful new experiences and connections. 

Methodology: Online panel survey of 3,000 adults based on age, gender, and geography. Internal data sources are used to obtain population data sets. We used a two-step process to ensure representativeness through stratified sampling and post-stratification weighting.

January 2024.