The Ides of March is near and here’s how you can dodge any betrayal this month

Alright, everyone—shake off the nazar and saddle up. We ride at dawn. We’ve braved the winter like Khaleesi, but alas, we’ve only won a battle, not the war. Because, dear reader, the Ides of March is fast approaching—a cursed day in the Gregorian calendar that brings all the evil eyes and nazar-warding rituals to the yard.

For the uninitiated, March 15th has been synonymous with betrayal ever since 44 BCE, when the ultimate backstabber, Brutus, and 23 other Roman senators turned on Julius Caesar—his closest friend and, quite frankly, his platonic twin flame. Stabbed 23 times, Caesar’s final words—Et tu, Brute? (“You too, Brutus?”)—became the most iconic callout in history. Shakespeare later immortalised the moment in Julius Caesar, solidifying the Ides of March as a day of misfortune. So, if things feel a little off this month, blame the vibes—and maybe double up on your evil-eye protection.

2000 years later, and this betrayal is still my Roman Empire. It got me thinking—Caesar wasn’t the only one stabbed in the back (literally and figuratively). I have been. My close friends have been. Countless others I know have, too. And you know what we all have in common? Our betrayals *all* unfolded in March—the cursed month that lures you in with springtime warmth after a long, bitter winter, only to strike when you least expect it.  

Maybe it’s a drunken exposé of someone’s deepest secrets you swore to take to the grave. Or perhaps it’s the slow unraveling of a relationship, now that the cold is gone and the seasonal need for cuddles has passed. Is there a cosmic reason why March seems to be a tornado of chaos and unwanted climaxes for friendships and love lives alike? We’d like to think so.  

And with March 15 fast approaching, it’s best to stay vigilant. Whether it’s a friend, a work bestie, or a partner acting a little off, here are the signs to watch out for—because no one wants to be hit with any Caesar-level betrayal unprepared.

Friendships

The texts slow down, the calls go unanswered, and suddenly, the conversations just stop. The winter aesthetics have faded from your feed, and now, there’s nothing left to say. Maybe they’ve started something new—a job, grad school, a fresh social circle. And just like that, they no longer have ‘time’ for you. But their socials? Overflowing with updates from their shiny new life. A not-so-subtle reminder that those days-late, one-word replies aren’t about being busy—they’re about you no longer being a priority.

Stings, doesn’t it? But honestly, I’d take that over them slyly rekindling with the very people you two spent hours dissecting over gossip sessions. Those people deserve a special place in hell. And I know Tom Ellis—ahem, Lucifer—is prepping for their grand arrival. You know who you are.

If you're wondering whether or not this applies to you and your "friend", here are some questions to ask yourself. 

When was the last time said friend picked up your call, called you back within the hour, or replied with more than a single word?

A. Within the last week.
B. It’s been almost a month.
C. They respond when I call or text them.

When was the last time said friend initiated contact with you to catch up and not just because they needed your help?

A. Last night/last week, we were yapping till 4 am.
B. It’s been a month, and they’ve moved/got a new job/started grad school—they’re busy.
C. They’re not really the initiating type.

Have they recently reconnected with someone they used to hate but somehow don’t have time to text you back?

A. Nope, we still rant about the same people together.
B. Funny you mention it… their new BFF was once public enemy #1.
C. They barely text anyone back, so at least it’s not just me.

When they do finally reply, how do they respond?

A. With full sentences and actual enthusiasm.
B. “Omg, so busy!!!” followed by radio silence.
C. A thumbs-up or “lol” three days later.

When you make plans, how often do they actually follow through?

A. Almost always—they might reschedule, but they make the effort.
B. Sometimes, but I have to remind them (multiple times).
C. Rarely. I’ve lost count of the last-minute cancellations.

How do they act when you bring up feeling distant or left out?

A. They acknowledge it and make an effort to reconnect.
B. They brush it off with “ugh, I’ve just been so busy.”
C. They get defensive or make it seem like you’re the problem.

If you got mostly As, trust us, you have nothing to worry about! If you’re mostly Bs, try to keep an eye out. You could try and cut them some slack, but don’t let them keep you on read forever. Now, if you got mostly Cs, then it’s time to Ides-proof your life and drop the dead weight (aka the people making you feel this way). You deserve better, babe.

Friendships are not the only victims of cruel March because your winter relationship (read as: situationship) was never built to survive the thaw.

Relation/situationships

Unless your courtship has lasted beyond three months—complete with at least 10 dates, consistent communication, honesty, and mutual introductions to friends—sweetie, sit down and listen. The fog has lifted, and the prospect of longevity has them gripped with cold fear, leaving you crying and slurring their name until someone puts you in a car home.

Here’s the science behind why romantic entanglements meet a cold, cruel end just as winter fades. A lot of rekindlings and new romances spark in the depths of winter for reasons best left unsaid. The warmth, excitement, and closeness of a new partner as the air turns frigid is just an alchemy of convenience masquerading as a once-in-a-lifetime connection. And something that burns that brightly is rarely meant to last.

Ironically, its flimsy fire can barely withstand the warmth of March, let alone the rest of the year. It’s easy to be delusional in winter, but March forces a choice—will you heal or drown in unprocessed sadness and what-ifs? Gather your girlies and set an emergency meeting of the council because we have a few questions to help you find out. 

How many of their messages are just “wyd?”—and conveniently sent after 10 PM?

A. Less than 4
B. 6-9 
C. 10+ 

How many times have they lied to you?

A. A couple of harmless white lies. 
B. Maybe 5 or 6—but only because they knew I’d disagree. 
C. He took his “girl best friend” on a Valentine’s trip without telling me because she ‘just broke up with her boyfriend.’ 

How often do their ‘sleepovers’ end with you being kicked out ASAP?

A. Less than 4 times—they had work, but I usually stay the night.
B. More than 6. Their social calendar is so packed, I didn’t want to impose.
C. I’ve lost track because that’s all they do.

How often do they ‘forget’ to text you back but are very active on social media?

A. Rarely—if they forget, they make up for it later. 
B. More than 5 times, but they swear it’s “not personal.” 
C. Constantly. They leave me on read, but somehow, they have time to comment on random posts. 

How many times have they ‘jokingly’ hinted at not wanting a relationship—but expect relationship-level loyalty from you?

A. Once or twice, but I think they were just scared of catching feelings. 
B. A lot, but they act like we’re basically dating.
C. Too many times to count—“I never promised commitment” is basically their catchphrase. 

When you bring up something that’s bothering you, how do they react?

A. They listen and try to fix it. 
B. They get weirdly defensive but eventually apologise.
C. They either ghost me or turn it into my fault.

If you ticked mostly As, you’re in the clear—for now. If you leaned towards Bs, tread carefully and don’t ignore the red (or even yellow) flags. But if you ticked even one C, cut them out. Have a girls’ weekend with expelling nazar activities, lots of Abba and Mamma Mia, and evil-eye feng shui-ing his presence from your life. 

March betrayals are imminent if you stay delusional—don’t do yourself dirty, queen. Protect your energy, dodge the nazar, and cut off ex-situationships like they’re expired trends. Trust me, you don’t want a modern-day Brutus serving you betrayal with a side of bad vibes. Let this be your sign to choose peace, playlists, and people who actually text you back.

Lead image credit: Getty Images 

Also read: Can you come back from cheating?

Also read: How to deal with a friend who is constantly putting you down