PHOENIX -- While Valentine's Day is supposed to be a day for people to declare their love and devotion, in Phoenix it's also the day more couples choose to end their marriages.

MGN Online

An Arizona newspaper ran the numbers and found that over the last 10 years, an average of nearly 20 more divorces are filed in Maricopa County Superior Court on Feb. 14, than on any other business day of the year.

The paper says that divorce lawyers and relationship experts have a theory on that. They believe the holiday meant for romance triggers opposite emotions in people who are not happy in their marriages. Those negative emotions help those people come to terms with their situations and take action.

The newspaper said breaking the bad news of a divorce on a day when many people re-affirm their commitments "adds a dash vindictiveness."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.