This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Bucknell chapter.

In the wake of Valentine’s Day, it can feel as though every Bucknellian has a special someone. Date Parties, Valentine’s Day Instagram posts, and empty heart-shaped chocolate boxes in every trashcan are impossible to ignore. Although we are in the season of love, it is surprising that a recent Facebook study found that the weeks directly following Valentine’s Day are one of the several most common breakup periods during the calendar year.

So as the memories of Valentine’s dinners at Elizabeth’s and romantic breakfasts at Amami fade, Bucknell couples should beware of the annual points of tension that could change your Bucknell love story in 2016.

The Spring Cleaning

Bustle.com reports that the change in seasons gives people the desire to throw away personal clutter, which can also result in tossing out a significant other, giving a new meaning to the term “spring cleaning.” Science suggests that this year’s unseasonably warm weather will have more single Bison on campus very soon.

The Turkey Drop

Many Bucknell students enter their first year on campus in a relationship. Whether due to a rigorous academic schedule, or an undeniable attraction to a BIO 205 partner, most high school relationships ultimately fail. Students usually choose to cut ties with their K-12 lover during Thanksgiving Break, a phenomenon The Frisky.com defines as “The Turkey Drop.” Thanksgiving is the first substantial break of the year, and also the first opportunity for students to let their high school sweethearts down easy.

Post-Thanksgiving Break, perhaps we should make an effort to console our heartbroken young Bucknell classmates. After all, the first cut is the deepest. Being sure there are tissues available around campus and keeping chocolate on hand would go a long way.

New Year, New Me

By the time New Years rolls around, many Bucknell students are ready for a fresh start. Bustle.com reports that for some, having a blank slate means not having a partner. The New Year holds exciting unknowns, including new experiences and meeting new people. Inspired by what the future holds, dissatisfied couples break up when the Times Square ball drops. According to this trend, second semester will likely bring many newly single Bucknellians.

A ‘Ray of Hope

Despite the statistical challenges that lie ahead, Bucknell love is not impossible. With a 20% alumni marriage rate, it seems that plenty of Bucknellians before us have found love in Lewisburg and proven that our campus is not a hopeless place. So keep a lookout for The One in Bertrand, flirt with a group project member. You never know when you could find your forever Bison.

Bucknell Chapel Image courtesy of Hunter Kessell

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break ups

The Psychology and Timing of Breakups: Why This Year’s Forecast Will Bring an Increase in Single Bucknellians

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