You've been warned - today is the day people are most likely to be cheated on, according to data from the UK's leading married dating site.
Now, you'd think that most people would be up to their ears in Christmas decorating, dinner prep and present buying mania this December but it seems a fair few somehow have enough time on their hands to get tangled up in what is known as 'Unfaithful Friday'.
Dubbed by adulterers as 'Cheat-mas', dating platform IllicitEncounters.com has found that today (1 December) is the day married people are most likely to be cheated on during the winter months.
According to a study involving 1,000 male members conducted by the dating site, a shocking 32 per cent increase in activity among members in the lead-up to 'Unfaithful Friday' with 68 per cent of cheaters having made plans to see their mistresses today.
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These escapades are far from a one-day event as, on top of all that, a hefty 21 per cent (that's around 1 in 5 married men in the study) revealed they've lied to their wives about what they’re up to over the next couple of days so they can be spending the entire weekend away with their lovers.
And that's not all.
The 1st December has been hailed as the last chance for cheats to see their lovers before the chaos of Christmas begins with many cheaters rushing to sort out plans with fellow adulterers for one last final fling before returning to their marriages over the this period.
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One Illicit Encounters member, Jon, opened up about his plans to 'celebrate' the day.
"This is by far my favourite day of the year!" he explained. "In the lead up to Christmas I get dragged around the shops with my wife hunting for gifts for the kids, there are Christmas parties left, right and centre, there’s the school nativity… the list goes on.
"I’ll barely get a second to myself, which makes celebration 10 times more exciting. It’s pure bliss – a moment for me to completely let loose with my mistress before all the stress begins."
The married man and father continued: "This year I’ve actually managed to book a weekend away – I told my wife I have to meet a big client in London because it’s the only time they’re free… and she doesn’t suspect a thing."
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Delving into the phenomenon, sex and relationships expert at Illicit Encounters commented: "It’s supposedly the most wonderful time of the year, but Christmas is undoubtedly also one of the busiest and most stressful periods for couples.
"From attending endless festive get-togethers to the pressures of gift-buying, Christmas can be incredibly overwhelming for some.
"And, with family obligations taking centre stage, it’s no surprise that people make the most of Unfaithful Friday and celebrate 'Cheat-mas' before the festive frenzy at home."
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The expert added: "It’s the last hurrah before all of the chaos begins.
"So, if your husband’s told you he’s busy tonight or he’s off on a work trip this weekend, you might want to do some detective work to find out what he’s really up to."
Not exactly the most festive thing in the world to do but hey ho-ho-ho.
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Life
Rhiannon Ingle