If early January is traditionally the time unhappy couples initiate divorce proceedings, autumn is the season for weary marrieds to embark on affairs. For the fifth year running,IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s leading dating website for married people and the leading authority on infidelity, reports an early autumn spike in new memberships, a phenomenon which is being increasingly referred to as “Seasonal Amore Disorder.”
Christian Grant, spokesperson for IllicitEncounters.com, seeks to explain this seasonal trend:
“For the past five years we have noticed an average 7% increase in new memberships towards the end of September.
Keen to capitalise on whatever is driving this increase, we conducted some research. The reasons we found are threefold: the comedown after the summer party season with all its highs and lows, science and the way autumn uniquely lends itself to new romance.
“Autumn is traditionally a tricky time for established couples, as the recent, steady roll-call of celebrity break-ups will attest. Summer time, with its busy social calendar comprising festivals, weddings and parties, makes it easier to prop up an ailing relationship in the ‘diluted’ company of friends.
Long-term plans like booked summer holidays are best seen through given the stress of canceling. But once the summer hiatus is behind you and you have nothing left in the diary until Christmas, combined with the gloomy prospect of being cooped up with one another over these long, dark nights, couples experience a lull. This lull can cause many relationships to fizzle out or for a partner to seek something new to fill the excitement void.
“This trend also stacks up biologically. Studies suggest our libidos are naturally higher in summer. Sunshine increases our levels of serotonin and dopamine, both of which influence our mood and arousal levels. Testosterone is boosted by light and we tend to dress in skimpier clothes. As autumn approaches, our bodies, so used to being ‘on alert’ are craving our next ‘feel-good dopamine fix.’ This unwanted comedown, for some, manifests itself in seeking new excitement, and what is more exhilarating than new romance?”
Finally, when new members were asked if they viewed themselves as a nature lover, a convincing 79% answered in the affirmative.
And while autumn may appear a less romantic season to embark on new romance, think again. While the nights may be drawing in and we are putting on more clothes, what is more romantic than a stroll outdoors in the low autumn sunshine, kicking leaves, before nestling in front of a crackling log fire in a cosy pub?
Concluding, Grant surmised:
“If you are in a stale relationship, have a mildly addictive personality and love nature, it’s highly likely you’ll experience Seasonal Amore Disorder. That’s Amore.”
NOTES TO EDITOR
IllicitEncounters.com is the UK’s leading dating website for married people and the leading authority on infidelity. With over 1,000,000 genuine UK users since 2004, you’re sure to find your perfect match.
Established in 2004, we have been providing a meeting place for like-minded married and attached people for nearly 12 years. Our members have one thing in common – they are all looking for a little romance outside their current relationship. Whether that’s the occasional bit of flirtatious chat, a regular coffee date, or a full-blown affair, that’s up to them.
For comments, case-studies or more information, contact Christian Grant:
Email: presspr@illicitencounters.co.uk
Office: 020 7729 6098
Twitter: @cheatsafer