If you're single, how do you thrive at handling a holiday weekend by yourself?
Being single definitely has its advantages. But there are times, during holiday weekends for example, where time off seems to mean “alone and lonely.” But it doesn’t have to be! Here are some tips to help you thrive during a holiday weekend:
Don’t Let Others Bring You Down
- Sometimes singles are fine with spending a holiday alone, until a family member or friend inadvertently makes them feel horrible. Your pals and relations may ask you many questions about the upcoming holiday in an effort to help support you, but then go too far and actually end up doing the opposite. Keep in mind that many people got married early or have been in relationships so long that they’ve lost touch with the benefits of being single. Remind these well-meaning folks that you are looking forward to the holiday and they needn’t worry about you.
Don’t Rush a New Relationship Along
- You may have just started a new relationship where things are going smoothly, but you’re not quite at the stage to go to each other’s family events. Don’t pressure your new partner into bringing you along or declaring statements of love just because you don’t want to appear before your family alone. Again. Instead, talk in an open and casual attitude about the holiday with your partner. If you pay close attention, you’ll be able to gage your date’s interest in attending a family event with you, and thereby find out if they’re ready to bring you along to one of theirs. If they balk at all about the upcoming holiday, assure them you can both attend your respective events alone and reconnect to share stories later.
Don’t Feel Pressure to Bring Someone to a Family Event
- If there was ever a time in a single’s life where they wanted to grab any old person off the street and pay them to impersonate their dating partner, holidays definitely qualify. Even the most successful singles seem feel pressure in only appearing before their family with someone by their side. You may feel that bringing someone (anyone) along will help you avoid questions and be easier in the long run. But doing so can lead to misunderstandings and more negative feelings. Instead of grabbing an ex or convenient friend, take a look around the holiday gathering at the couples present. You can learn a lot about relationships from studying the people in your life, and some of the lessons aren’t of the positive nature. You might find that just because someone is coupled up, it doesn’t mean they have their life together or are doing fabulously. So don’t succumb to molding yourself in a way that fits into someone else’s view of you. Go forth by yourself and prosper!
Use the Holiday to Regenerate and Recharge
- Time off for work can be a great way to catch up on projects and examine your life goals. So enjoy it! Read, eat, exercise, hang out at the coffee shop, see a movie, or lay around and do absolutely nothing. Whatever your plan, execute it without guilt or negative feelings. Being single doesn’t mean putting your life on hold until you meet someone. It means living your life in the way that’s best for you, and then and only then, making room for someone truly special that will complement your world.
The copyright of the article Spending a Holiday Alone in Dating Advice is owned by Cherie Burbach. Permission to republish Spending a Holiday Alone in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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