Singles' Guide to Holiday Survival
How to Proceed If You’re Unattached, In Love, or Newly Dating
The time between Thanksgiving and New Year's can be a stressful time for single people. Here's how to manage gift giving, relatives, and expectations.
While the holidays are usually a pleasant time for singles, they can also create undo stress and feelings of isolation. If your view of the holidays tends to be bleak, the following tips may help ease your mind.
Comebacks For the Unattached
If you’re alone:
Don’t panic to bring someone home. If relatives try and make you feel bad about your unattached status, be prepared with a few comebacks. For example, if they say: “Still not married yet, eh?” Respond with: “Oh, absolutely not! I’m having too good a time.” Or, “No way. Why get married to any old someone when you can easily wait for the right person?”
If they try and set you up with someone – respond with, “Thanks. I appreciate you thinking of me. Why don’t we figure something out after the holidays? I’d rather spend this time catching up.” Then if you want to follow up, you can. If you don’t, they’ll probably forget after the holidays so it won’t be an issue.
Keep the Pace of a New Relationship Steady
If you’ve just begun seeing someone:
Don’t rush things. It’s much better to spend time apart and with your individual families than to force a relationship that needs time to develop. Putting unnecessary pressure on a brand new partnership might set an otherwise great connection irrevocably off course. If your partner brings up the issue of the holidays, tell him you’re getting along so great that you’d rather wait than put him through all the family introductions. As far as gift giving, exchange simple presents that are not too serious or personal. Movie passes, tickets to a football game, or gift certificates for the local bookstore are all appropriate for a new love connection.
Tips for Meeting the Parents
If you’re in a serious relationship:
Chances are you will be asked to accompany your partner along for the holidays. Set up an agreeable arrangement for both of you, such as a division of time with each family set. If this is the first time meeting your partner’s family, don’t feel as if you have to be the life of the party in order to get their approval. Be pleasant and enjoy their company – that’s all you’re required to do.
Wear Your Single Status With Pride
Regardless if you’re currently in a relationship or still looking, take some time just for yourself this holiday season. Change things up by having a get-together with other single friends. Remind each other of the blessings you have, and support those who might be newly adjusting to single life. Remember, there are more options today to meet people than at any other time in history. This means a great chance of finding the exact right person for you. In the meantime, live life to the fullest and enjoy the benefits of being single.
