As much as we love rewatching “Love Actually” during the holidays, there’s that one scene that still gets us every time - the moment when Emma Thompson’s character unwraps a CD, not the necklace she found while snooping, and realizes her husband is having an affair with his secretary. It’s gut-wrenching and according to one expert, part of the reason it hits so hard is because her experience is so common.
Psychologist Shahn Baker Sorekli says there really is a spike in the number of people who cheat during the holiday season. He explains that there is some evidence to suggest that people who are unfaithful are more likely to do so at Christmas and that during his 18 years in practice, he’s seen it happen more during the holidays. So why is that? While that all depends on the individuals involved, Sorekli notes that just like in “Love Actually,” the office Christmas party can be a catalyst.
The relationship expert notes that he’s not saying the work Christmas party puts you at higher risk of cheating if you have no intentions of ever being unfaithful. But he points out that relationships often happen at work and if tensions and flirting have been building up throughout the year, then “the Christmas party is like the trigger that can go off in that sort of situation, with the alcohol and the festive season.” Sorekli adds that another reason people have affairs this time of year is that they’re not satisfied or fulfilled in their lives, so they’re looking for some excitement or a distraction from the monotony of the year.
- While this relationship expert thinks telling the truth is “always the best answer” if you’ve been unfaithful, be considerate about when you break that news to your partner. It may seem like there’s never a good time to confess, but don’t do it on Christmas Day.
Source: NY Post