Valentine’s Day Is Bad for Relationships (and That’s a Good Thing)

Valentine's Day can negatively impact relationships due to expectations, obligations, and comparisons. Studies show increased breakups around this holiday, especially in weaker relationships. Cognitive biases and priming effects can magnify relationship issues. Attachment styles also play a role, with avoidant individuals feeling less satisfied. Valentine's Day acts as a catalyst, not a cause, for relationship changes.

What did a 2004 study find about college couples around Valentine's Day?

• They were more likely to get engaged.

• They were less likely to break up.

• They were more likely to break up.

• They were more likely to start dating.

How can gifts given out of obligation affect a relationship?

• They always improve the relationship.

• They can strengthen the relationship.

• They can make the receiver feel less happy.

• They have no impact on the relationship.

What does interdependence theory suggest about relationship satisfaction?

• It depends on how much money is spent on gifts.

• It relies on comparisons with other relationships and available alternatives.

• It is solely based on personal happiness.

• It is determined by the length of the relationship.

What is the fundamental attribution error in the context of Valentine's Day?

• Assuming others' actions are due to circumstances.

• Believing your relationship is better than others.

• Attributing others' actions to inherent traits.

• Thinking all relationships are the same.

How does attachment style influence relationship satisfaction on Valentine's Day?

• It has no influence at all.

• Avoidant individuals are less satisfied, especially on Valentine's Day.

• All individuals feel more satisfied.

• Anxious individuals are always dissatisfied.

What happens to weak relationships around Valentine's Day according to the transcript?

• They always improve.

• They become stronger.

• They are more likely to end.

• They are unaffected.

What is the overall effect of Valentine's Day on relationships?

• It acts as a catalyst for already weak relationships.

• It causes all relationships to end.

• It has no effect on any relationship.

• It improves all relationships.