9 Ways To Enjoy Being Single This Holiday Season
Embrace your freedom.
getty The holidays seem to amplify the cons of single life. If you were feeling empowered and independent before the holiday season rolled in, a few too many smiling pairs might be causing your exterior to crack a bit.
Well, don't worry, you're not alone. According to the New York Post, a study by Match.com showed that the biggest worry among singles was not having a partner for the holiday season. A whopping 48 percent of those surveyed proclaimed their worst fear was being single and without a significant other to share in the festivities.
It's amazing to have someone, but if you don't, we're also advocating that you embrace your single status this holiday season. It's time to focus on other aspects of your life and stop giving into holiday stress that you'll find that perfect person. Here's how.
1. Plan thoughtful gifts.
This year, put your intelligence to good use and wow the people in your life with meaningful gifts. Make your best friend a CD of all the ridiculous songs you two have belted out on karaoke night, or get your writing-obsessed niece a journal that you personalized yourself.
Give gifts with depth. The people closest to you will be so thankful, and you'll be more fulfilled.
2. Focus on your family.
When's the last time you called your Texas-dwelling little sister or your aunt who lives in Canada? Now would be the perfect time to catch up. They'll be ecstatic to hear from you, and you'll be surprised by how much you've missed.
3. Mingle with other singles.
4. Meet your friends for coffee (and don't talk about relationships!).
Make weekly trips to your local coffee shop with your closest friends. Gab about everything from your crazy co-workers to that sexy guy you've been eyeing at the gym. Relationship talk is off-limits. Try it — it's completely freeing.
5. Do something you wouldn't normally do.
Join a pottery class. Read that John Grisham book you've been meaning to open for about a year. Make over your bedroom. You have time to do something just because you want to. So, do it!
6. Laugh.
With your friends, by yourself, at something on TV, with strangers, after you almost trip on that ice patch, or just for no reason. Laugh. You'll feel better.
7. Get in shape.
You know how you've been convincing yourself for six months that next month will be when you reinstate your gym membership? Well, it's finally next month. Exercise is the ultimate way to release stress, and the only way to get washboard abs.
8. Give love to get it back.
"When you really want love in your life, the best thing you can do is give it away," says relationship coach Debi Berndt. "Send love and good intentions to those you pass in the street, even those annoying couples who seem to be everywhere in front of you. When you start to discover that there is so much love inside of you, you begin to shift the energy of what you attract."
9. Have a holiday movie marathon. Alone.
So, your ex hated watching A Christmas Story over and over with you while you recited the lines? No one will be groaning about that this year. Pull on your bathrobe, climb under the covers and grab a cup of cocoa. Enjoy!
Jenna Birch is a freelance writer, romantic and realist. She's written for publications like Girls' Life Magazine, MSN Glo, The Grindstone, AND Magazine, Front Row View, TruthinAging.com, and Wetpaint.