The Psychological Effects Of Seasonal Changes On Couples

Last updated by Lauren Hart

I believe that every time I went through a breakup, it was during the winter. The change of seasons impacts our mood, our interactions, and therefore our romantic relationships, as highlighted by clinical psychologist Sarah Whitman. So, let's take a look at how each season can affect couples, to better prepare ourselves.

The Psychological Effects Of Seasonal Changes On Couples

Spring, the season of love

In spring, we generally experience a boost in energy and enthusiasm. The longer, sunnier days stimulate the production of serotonin, the happiness hormone, which can strengthen romantic bonds 🥰.

📌
A study conducted by the University of Vienna revealed that couples report greater relationship satisfaction and increased intimacy during the spring months.

At the same time, just look at nature: animals come out of hibernation because, after all, it’s the season of love. We feel like going out, sharing activities with our partner, fostering closeness and connection.

👋 You might find this article interesting: The Secrets of Happy Couples: Let Me Tell You Everything!

Summer, the season of passion or breakups

In summer, it’s either make or break! Yes, many couples break up during this season for several reasons. One of them being that vacations force us to spend more time together. If there were already tensions, being together all the time might not help resolve them…

Not to mention that heat makes us irritable (yes, it’s been proven!), so we have less patience during heatwaves, and tempers can flare quickly 🔥.

However, don’t worry! Even though summer can create tensions, some couples handle it very well! Our libido increases in summer, so if you get along well with your partner, you can enjoy some very steamy moments, which naturally bring you closer 😏…

Autumn, between intimacy and gloom

During this season, we tend to turn inward, focusing on our relationship. Yes, the shorter days encourage us to stay indoors, cuddled up with our partner. Cozy evenings together help strengthen the bond.

a couple in autumn

What could be better than spending autumn evenings snuggled up with your loved one?

However, it’s not all cozy. During this season, we can be overcome by a certain gloom, which also affects the relationship. As psychiatrist Norman Rosenthal points out, the decrease in daylight can trigger seasonal depression in some people, which can have consequences for the relationship 🤕. Why do we feel better in the evening when we are depressed?

Winter, the challenge for couples

As I’ve experienced, winter can be a really tough time for couples. Unlike summer, our libido tends to drop. We tend to withdraw into ourselves, especially if we’re dealing with mood disorders.

💬 Personally, I was broken up with last winter. My ex was very sensitive to depression, and the plunge into this season didn’t help him cope with the little tensions in our relationship…

Winter, like summer, is one of the riskiest seasons for romantic relationships 😕. However, just like in the warmer months, there are also positive aspects to the winter season. We tend to engage in activities that keep our minds occupied! A study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships showed that couples engage in new and exciting activities during winter, which leads to greater relationship satisfaction 👨‍❤️‍👨.

Editorial opinion: Don’t underestimate the impact of the seasons

The seasons undeniably influence our mood, energy, and consequently, our romantic relationships. Whether it’s the euphoria of spring, the passion of summer, the coziness of autumn, or the challenges of winter, each period of the year brings its own highs and lows for couples. It’s important to stay aware of these changes and not underestimate their impact on our emotional and relational well-being. If you feel that these changes are affecting you more than you’d like, or if you’re going through a tough time, don’t hesitate to take care of your mental health. Sometimes, talking to a professional, like a psychologist, can really make a difference. Taking care of yourself also means taking care of your relationship.

🤗 Understand yourself, accept yourself, and be happy... It starts here and now!

#BornToBeMe

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Article presented by
Lauren Hart

Writing is a beautiful means of expression that I cannot do without. It has allowed me to channel my hypersensitivity, plus I love writing about psychology and personal development. For me, self-understanding is the best way to move forward!

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Wengood's favorite tunes 🎵

Wengood's playlist

wengood

  1. Only LoveBen Howard
    4:08
  2. Invalid date
  3. Fix YouColdplay
    4:55
  4. Beautiful DayU2
    4:08
  5. Thinking out LoudEd Sheeran
    4:41
  6. White FlagDido
    4:00
  7. Lay Me DownSam Smith
    4:13
  8. Nine Million BicyclesKatie Melua
    3:17
  9. Put Your Records OnCorinne Bailey Rae
    3:35
  10. Summertime SadnessLana Del Rey
    4:24
  11. Imagine - Remastered 2010John Lennon
    3:07
  12. Shake It OutFlorence + The Machine
    4:37
  13. Space Oddity - Love You Til Tuesday versionDavid Bowie
    3:46
  14. What A Wonderful WorldLouis Armstrong
    2:17
  15. With Or Without YouU2
    4:56
  16. HelloAdele
    4:55
  17. Don't Stop Me NowQueen
    3:29
  18. Skinny LoveBirdy
    3:21
  19. WingsBirdy
    4:12
  20. Californian SoilLondon Grammar
    3:41

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