For many couples, the lead-up to Valentine’s Day is an exciting time filled with promise and possibility. The cold weather offers an excuse to snuggle up, while the holidays are the perfect reason to shower each other with love and affection. Unfortunately, many relationships aren’t so lucky. According to a recent study in Men’s Health, the time span from Christmas to Valentine’s Day is one of the most common break-up times of the year.
Regardless of the month or season, when your relationship is over, you just know. But if you’re still on the fence, unsure what to do about your love interest, here are five red flags you should watch for in your relationship. Otherwise, you probably won’t make it to Valentine’s Day:
A night on the town with some close friends can really help get over a breakup, and that looks to be the case for Katy Perry. According to E! Online, the pop star was spotted in Las Vegas this past weekend supporting her best friend, jewelry designer Markus Molinari. It remained a quiet evening for the singer as she supported a fundraiser and spent some quality time with close friends. Despite the general romantic buzz of Sin City, it’s certainly an opportunity for Perry to begin to move on from her recent split with Russell Brand.
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2011 served up some serious heartbreak for a multitude of our favorite celebrities. Off the court, Tony Parker messed up his shot at matrimonial bliss with Eva Longoria. Arnold Schwarzenegger mis-played his hand with Maria, while the Latin heat known as Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony incinerated any enthusiasm for making their marriage work. Twitter gave us a glimpse behind the final curtain of Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore’s six year production, and Taylor Swift kept us all armed with a plethora of musical angst-filled love memoirs – courtesy of her little black book of breakups.
So which “ex factor” do Taylor Swift and Demi Moore along with a host of other stars have in common?
Courteney Cox and David Arquette. Photo: David Gabber / PR Photos
Courteney Cox and David Arquette will once again be sharing screen time. Arquette will guest star as a hotel concierge in the season 3 finale of Cox’s sitcom Cougar Town, reports People. Though the two separated in October of 2010 after 11 years of marriage, Cox said last month, “He’s my favorite person in the world. No matter what happens in our future, he’s my very best friend.”
Heidi Klum and Seal. Photo: Andrew Evans / PR Photos
By Dr. Jane Greer: Marriage & Family Therapist, Author, Radio Host & Shrink Wrap Celebrity Commentator
After almost seven years of marriage, Heidi Klum and Seal have decided to part ways. Many people were surprised by their announcement, since they made such a point of telling the public how truly happy they were. For a time, they even seemed like a model couple, defying the odds with two high-powered careers and balancing that with their home life, which included four children, three together and one from Heidi’s previous relationship whom Seal adopted. Now, however, it seems that the separation may have been in the works for sometime as they dealt with something more than their love, success and family: Seal’s reported anger issues.
Simon Cowell and Mezhgan Hussainy. Photo: Jakes Van Der Watt / PR Photos
At one point, he called her “the one,” and now X-Factor judge Simon Cowell has recently ended his two year relationship with his makeup artist fiance Mezhgan Hussainy, according to E! Online. “I have been pretty good about not talking about my private stuff, but I got caught up in the moment,” he said. “I don’t really know where I am at the moment, and that is why I don’t talk about it.” The British star, who was infamous for keeping his bachelor style of living private, announced his love in 2010, said he regrets his decision now, but he and Hussainy are still close.
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Heidi Klum and Seal. Photo: Andrew Evans / PR Photos
Similar to our own shock over the news, Seal is upset and grieving over his breakup and impending divorce from model Heidi Klum. That said, according to People, he remains amicable saying that his love and respect for Klum hasn’t changed. Seal also claims that this will help “make it easier to make that transition,” and that the children are the “first priority.” For Seal, it’s important to acknowledge that he isn’t that only one who has gone through a painful split like this. He adds, “It is just unfortunately a chapter of life.”
Katy Perry and Russell Brand. Photo: Gangster#1/Flynetpictures.com
Russell Brand is full of surprises. After filing divorce from Katy Perry, Brand has decided to do what celebrities do best after a break-up: write a feel-for-all book. According to UsMagazine.com, Brand will reveal all the details of his marriage with Perry in a memoir. A friend of Perry said, “Katy is insulted and feels betrayed that Russell has treated her so poorly. She will never forgive him. Ever.”
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Though they are both still wearing their wedding bands, rumors are flying around Hollywood that Heidi Klum and Seal are headed for a split. According to People, distance has been the major issue within this rocky patch in the marriage. Seal has been away a lot lately promoting his new album, Soul 2, which has put a strain on the couple. However, now that the two have reunited, they seem to be doing a lot better.
What do you do if you notice the fighting in your relationship is increasing?
Brody Jenner and Avril Lavigne. Photo: Andrew Evans / PR Photos
Avril Lavigne and Brody Jenner may have gone their separate ways, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t Twitter pals. Amidst rumors of a nasty breakup, Jenner tweeted, “It really upsets me to read all the FALSE!! stories. Avril has always been there for me and is the closest person to my heart. I love her.” According to People, the singer/fashion designer replied on the social networking site with, “Luv u 2!!! @brodyjenner.”
How do you put forth a united front after a breakup?
Brody Jenner and Avril Lavigne. Photo: Andrew Evans / PR Photos
Avril Lavigne’s love life is now much more complicated. The singer and Brody Jenner reportedly split last week after nearly two years together, reports UsMagazine.com. “It was mutual, but Brody really broke up with her,” said a source. “He told her he was tired of always being her plus-one, and always going on tour with her.” Lavigne is currently planning an upcoming tour in Asia. “[Jenner] said he needs a career of his own again, and he didn’t want to go on the tour. Avril didn’t like that. Brody said, “I need to stay in L.A. and get back into TV, either scripted or reality. But I feel like a loser.”
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Actor Ashton Kutcher and ex wife actress Demi Moore found themselves at the same Pre-Golden Globes party, and Kutcher didn’t hesitate to catch up with Moore’s daughter, Rumer Willis. As the Two and a Half Men actor made his rounds to chat, People reported that he and Willis were all laughs and smiles until she went back to join her mother.
Is it OK to keep in touch with your ex’s children?
Brody Jenner and Avril Lavigne. Photo: Andrew Evans / PR Photos
Could Avril Lavigne and Brody Jenner be calling it quits after 2 years of dating? According to Hollyscoop, Lavigne is ready to settle down, and Jenner just isn’t. We wonder if Jenner might be nervous because he knows Lavigne’s previous marriage to rocker, Deryck Whibley, didn’t work out or because his step sister, Kim Kardashian’s, union to ex hubby Kris Humphries ended in such a short time. Also, maybe that bar fight back in November put a strain on the relationship. We’ll have to see.
What are some ways to tell it’s time to break up with your partner after a long-term relationship?
The fairy tale marriage of Katy Perry and Russell Brand is over, fourteen months after it began. Katy and Russell join the ranks of celebrities whose wedding nuptials were . . . temporary. Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries lasted only 72 days. Britney Spears and Jason Alexander lasted two.
We’ve all heard a jumble of less-than-educated guesses as to why many celebrity relationships don’t last: “They spend too much time apart.” “They have intimate scenes with other people.” “They’re too obsessed with themselves.” “They only care about fame.” But what are the real reasons for so many celebrity break-ups?
Deter Jeter and Minka Kelly. Photo: PR/Rocstar/Flynetpictures.com
It looks like Derek Jeter and Minka Kelly might be rekindling their 3-year romance, as they vacationed in Paris over the holiday weekend. The Yankees all-star and Charlie’s Angels actress stayed with friends while taking in some of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. “They look very much in love, ” an observer told People. “They were always very, very close [and] very playful as a couple with each other.”
What are some ways to decide whether to rekindle a romance?
Katy Perry and Russell Brand. Photo: Andrew Evans / PR Photos
Russell Brand and Katy Perry had a strenuous holiday season. Brand filed for divorce on Friday after 14 months of marriage, reports People. Rumors started circulating when Brand and Perry spent the holidays apart, with Brand in the U.K and Perry in Hawaii with friends. The couple were also spotted without their wedding rings in the days prior to the split. “Sadly, Katy and I are ending our marriage,” said Brand in a statement. “I’ll always adore her and I know we’ll remain friends.”
How do you stay on good terms with your ex during a very public divorce?
Vanessa and Kobe Bryant. Photo: Bob Charlotte / PR Photos
When Kobe Bryant was forced to leave wife Vanessa after cheating allegations, he didn’t have to go very far. The NBA basketball star found a private villa located on the Newport coast of Southern California. The resort that Bryant is staying at has 24/7 housekeeping and butler service. However despite these services for $800 a night, Bryant has apparently elected to take advantage of the laundry unit located in the private garage provided to him, as he was spotted doing just that, according to RadarOnline. Don’t misinterpret that move, thought, because Bryant is still living the life of the rich and the famous after his impending divorce. According to sources, he has his $400,000 Lamborghini parked outside his villa.
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Denise Richards and Charlie Sheen. Photo: Lee Roth / RothStock / PR Photos
Charlie Sheen is spending the holiday season a little differently this year, reports People. The actor and his ex, Denise Richards, are vacationing with their daughters at an unknown tropical location. Sheen posted a photo of the family on the social networking site WhoSay with the caption, “What’s better than a modern family vacation!?! love spending winter break w/ @denise_richards & my kids!”
Is it unhealthy to take a vacation with your ex and the kids?
Jessica Lange and Sam Shepard. Photo: Famepictures, Inc.
Actress Jessica Lange and her partner of almost thirty years Sam Shepard kept ended their relationship. In fact, the couple, who kept their relationship very private, decided to split almost two years ago, according to People. “They both are pursuing independent lives,” says a source. A rep for Lange confirmed the split, but the American Horror Story actress has no further comment.
How do you keep your breakup from making a splash?
Rachel Zoe and Brad Goreski. Photo: Tony Lowe / PR Photos
On his new Bravo show, It’s a Brad, Brad World, Brad Goreski admits he and ex-girlfriend Rachel Zoe are no longer on speaking terms. “We don’t speak to each other. I would love to be able to speak with her,” he said. According to People, he has yet to meet her nine-month old son, Skylar, because he has “not been invited.” Goreski said he has an “idea” of why he and his stylist are on bad terms. “I think I have conducted myself with honesty, with dignity and with grace,” Goreski said. “And I will continue to do so no matter what is said about me.”
How do you cope when your ex refuses to speak with you post-split?
Chaz Bono and Jennifer Elia. Photo: Brandon Parry / PR Photos
Despite news of their engagement earlier this year, Chaz Bono and his fiancee Jennifer Elia are no longer engaged or even together. Nevertheless, they appear to be amicable towards one another. According to People, “They leave this relationship with great love, respect and affection towards one another,” and they ask that everyone “respect their privacy at this time.” Bono himself tweeted that he appeciated the fans concern and was doing “just fine” while remaining on “good terms” with his ex.
What are some ways to stay amicable after a split?
Friday was bring your boyfriend to work day, or at least it was for Jennifer Lopez. Lopez’s new boy toy, Casper Smart, was seen arriving to the American Idol set in Lopez’s Bentley as he stopped by to visit his new lady. The new couple have been inseparable, having recently spent Thanksgiving in Hawaii with Lopez’s twins before jetting off to Morocco. While the singer seems to be wearing divorce well, her ex-husband Marc Anthony, isn’t quite complimenting her style. According to various sources, not only does Anthony not want smart to drive his kids around due to his arrest for drag racing, but he apparently doesn’t want Smart around his kids at all, according to Hollyscoop. In the meantime, Lopez and Anthony have continued working together in their Latin-American talent show venture, Q’Viva!
What do you do if your ex is upset with your new relationship?
Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore, Rumer Willis, Micah Alberti, Emma Heming, Scout Willis, Bruce Willis, and Tallulah Willis with guest. Photo: Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos
Bruce Willis will always be there for Demi Moore. The Die Hard actor, 56, is taking the time to comfort his ex-wife in light of her split from Ashton Kutcher, reports NowMagazine.com. “He’s explained to [pregnant wife Emma Hemming] that he needs to divide his time until Demiis a bit stronger,” said a source. “He knows Emma‘s feeling a bit neglected but he wants to make sure Demi gets herself together.”
What are some ways to react if you feel neglected by your partner?
Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries. Photo: Justin Paludipan / PR Photos
Their quick marriage and much-talked-about divorce may be making the headlines still, but Kris Humphries says he doesn’t pay the gossip about his situation with Kim Kardashian much mind. “I think that if people know me they know who I am and what I stand for,” he said, according to Hollyscoop. “I’m a fun guy and I don’t play into the gossip. That’s life.” There’s also much speculation that the couple’s relationship deteriorated as a result of it being plastered all over reality TV. To those assumptions, Humphries says, ““I can’t say for sure. It’s the only time I’ve been married. [But] I’ve been in front of cameras on the NBA since I was 19.”
How do you keep from participating in drama after a breakup?
