Godiva, Tiffany and Telaflora are poised to fill their coffers come Valentine’s Day. Statistics report $14.4 billion is spent on chocolate, $2.2 billion on jewelry and $403 million on flowers. Valentine’s Day is the No. 1 holiday for florists. Along with these statistics comes alarming data compiled by Avvo.com, a website providing information for the legal and medical professions. Avvo cites divorce filings skyrocket about 40 percent this time of year. With the number of questions they are asked about divorce up 36 percent.
Legend says the holiday began as a way to commemorate St. Valentine, a Roman clergyman. In 270 AD Roman Emperor Claudius II wanted a strong army, yet the men didn’t want to be soldiers. Claudius surmised the men wanted to stay home to be with their wives and children instead of leaving to fight wars. Claudius’ solution was to cancel all marriages. He thought if men couldn’t marry, they’d ignore the women and want to be soldiers. St. Valentine secretly continued to marry couples. He was unfortunately executed for going against the emperor’s orders on or around February 14.
The historical coincidence may play a role in the Valentine’s Day divorce filings’ jinx, but more likely, the timing arises because of people waiting until after the holidays to put all their cards on the table. Also football season is over, and winter cabin fever has set in. Add in the stress of proclaiming your love for one another when things are obviously not working makes it all the more reason to contemplate getting a divorce.
If you struggle at the card aisle finding a Valentine’s Day card, take a moment to think about all of the things you have to be grateful for in your spouse or life partner. Your heartfelt appreciation may be needed to keep the fires burning. If this fails, call an experienced family law divorce attorney.