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

Connect with an advisor

But also:

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!"

Read our latest articles here:

5 Tips to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: Embrace the Unknown!

I’m starting to get tired of the routine and daily grind. Yet, I’m hesitant to step out of my comfort zone and take the leap. My bubble is reassuring, and so far, I’ve thrived in it, but I no longer want to be held back by the fear of trying new things. Stepping out of your comfort zone brings many benefits, so how can you dare to take the plunge? Here are 5 tips to get started! 💪

New Year’s Resolutions: Choose Them Wisely or Give Yourself a Break!

We tend to think of New Year as a sort of fresh start, making it the perfect time to break a bad habit and adopt a better one. After all, we all want to be better, so it’s natural to want to make good resolutions to bring about change. But what happens when we don’t stick to them? After years and years of watching t-shirts pile up because “this year, I’m starting to exercise” and never following through, hello, sense of failure! So, what do we do with New Year’s resolutions? Do we choose better ones or just forget about them altogether? 🥳

What is Neuroatypicality? Why Is It Being Talked About?

If there’s one article I was eager to write for Wengood, it’s this one. I’m part of what’s called the “neuro-A” community, in other words, “neuroatypical” individuals. It might be a term you’ve heard before without really knowing what it means. So, what is neuroatypicality or neurodivergence? Is it an illness? A personality trait? A way of functioning? If you’re asking yourself these questions, you’re in the right place—I’m here to answer them.

Intermittent Explosive Disorder: When Anger Becomes Destructive

Intense anger outbursts, disproportionate verbal and physical aggression… These are all signs that may indicate intermittent explosive disorder (IED). I know what I’m talking about because someone in my family has it. For a long time, I struggled to understand their explosive anger reactions. I think they themselves didn’t know why they reacted that way… until they were diagnosed. Let me explain.

How to Dare to Approach Others? 7 Tips to Follow

The big introvert that I am has long struggled to approach others. It’s true that taking a step toward someone isn’t easy, especially when you’re dealing with additional challenges: introversion, lack of self-confidence, social anxiety… Having experienced all of this myself, but having made progress over the past few years, I have a few tips to share with you so that you too can come out of your shell. Let’s get started!

The Psychological Impact of a Burglary: How to Overcome It?

If I’ve never experienced a burglary as an adult, I did go through it during my childhood. I remember the uneasy feeling of knowing that strangers had entered our home. I kept wondering if they would come back… The psychological impact of a burglary should not be underestimated. What does it trigger? How can one overcome the feelings of fear and insecurity? Let me share my thoughts with you.

Is Working With Your Partner A Good Or Bad Idea?

Sharing everything with your partner is a sign of a healthy relationship for some people, even when it comes to working. However, that being said, for others, working with their partner just seems like a bad idea and the perfect recipe for tension. Do we need to separate our personal and professional lives, or is it okay to blur the lines and mix everything? After all, what could do wrong? Find out how to cope when your significant other is also your coworker!

My Sister Is Jealous Of Me

“In any case, you’re the favorite.” I’ve heard this phrase coming from my sister’s mouth over and over again. For a long time, her jealousy spoiled our lives, but I only wanted one thing: for us to be close and united. She poured her resentment in my face for many years until it got out of control. I couldn’t stand feeling so much anger and guilt at the same time. Soothing 30 years of jealousy hasn’t been easy, but there are ways to avoid getting to that point. I didn’t want jealousy to cut me off from my sister!

How Do Narcissistic People Treat Their Children?

Growing up with narcissistic parents is certainly no easy feat, because, let's face it, people with this disorder are unsympathetic, selfish, manipulative, egotistical, and dishonest, yes, that's right, these traits aren't exactly those showcased by the parents of the year. Realistically, these folks simply don't have the basic qualities required to become good parents, which is why, when they choose to have a family, things often spin out of control, and the narcissistic abuse undoubtedly crushes children's mental health.

Why Do I Want To Seduce Everyone? Compulsive Seduction Explained

Is the gaze and approval of others essential for you? Are you incapable of saying no? Do you do everything you can to get yourself noticed? This excessive need to please may well be indicative of a profound uneasiness. Why do you need to feel validated by other people so much? And how can you free yourself from this oppressing tendency? We reveal everything you need to know for a more straightforward lifestyle.



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

How to detect a narcissist

How to detect a narcissist

How to soothe an anxiety attack

How to soothe an anxiety attack