What is Red Tuesday and why do so many couples break up around Valentine’s Day?

, the Tuesday before Valentine's Day is the top day to get dumped.

Dubbed "Red Tuesday", it seems more couples split in the week of Valentine’s Day than at any other time of the year and research showed most people opted to dump their partners by text.

Other popular dumping methods include ending over a phone call and doing the deed face to face.

The outlet's spokesman Christian Grant said: “The period between Christmas and February is a popular time for people to spring clean their love lives as well as their homes.

"This period of reflection reaches its peak in the week before Valentine’s when there are more break-ups than at any other time of the year.

"For lots of people, it is easier to call time on a relationship rather than pretend everything is fine and tell lots of white lies."

Where did Red Tuesday originate?

While the origin of Red Tuesday is unknown, relationship psychologists across the globe say it could be a natural response to the pressure one feels from underperforming on the beloved holiday.

Sex and relationship therapist Jessia Leoni : "As we get closer to the day of romance and roses, there's this expectation to have this epic, Instagram-worthy love story.

"Suddenly, people find themselves questioning if their current relationship is measuring up to the grand gestures they see all over social media.

"And let's not forget the gift-giving stress that comes with celebrating Valentine’s Day. If one person is expecting a romantic masterpiece and ends up with a last-minute box of chocolates, it can lead to some serious disappointment."

No matter the thought behind the gesture, partners psych themselves out from just being themselves and remembering the reason behind Valentine's Day.

Leoni suggests that people not make a big deal around Valentine's Day.