'Tis the season to be in a relationship ... or be acutely aware that you're not in a relationship. From thoughts of romantic gifts exchanged under twinkly lights to the pressure to be with a special someone on New Year's Eve — which fast forwards in what seems like a matter of seconds to pressure to exchange romantic gifts with a special someone on Valentine's Day — this can be a difficult time of year.
It doesn't have to be, though — even if you're not paired off at the moment. There are plenty of others out there who likewise aren't spending this holiday season as half of a couple. There are plenty of parties on your calendar. That gives you ample opportunity to celebrate, have some fun and maybe meet someone new. Here's how to make the most of your holiday dating season:
Travel safely. The streets are slippery and everyone is in holiday rush mode, which is not the ideal combination for getting from place to place. Give yourself a little extra time to get there, walk and drive slowly and carefully, and arrive in one piece.
Watch your waistline. With all the goodies to try at all those parties, it's easy to end the season with a midsection that looks appallingly like Santa's. Try eating a low-calorie, high-bulk meal before you go out in order to curb your hunger and control your appetite for all those cookies, chocolates and other treats.
Put a cork in excessive drinking, too. Nothing wrong with a Champagne toast, a cup of eggnog, some beer, wine or your favorite cocktail — in moderation. Remember, alcohol can make you say and do things you'll regret when you sober up, especially if they happened at the office party, in front of a camera or behind the wheel of a car.
Baby, it's cold outside. Yes, you want to wear that shoulder-baring dress and strappy high-heeled shoes ... but it's freezing outside, and that's before you consider the wind-chill factor. Either re-think the outfit or find a way to slip unnoticed out of your snowgear and into full party paraphernalia. Even the most fashion-conscious among us can be felled by the flu.
Go ahead, talk to strangers. Meet new people at parties, ask your friends to help you find fresh social connections, search for dates online, and so on. Make plans with the ones who catch your fancy. Just practice year-round common sense and make your first meeting in a public place.
Don't make desperate decisions. If it comes to it, you will survive a solo holiday season. And being a single in a group of friends as the new year rolls in beats being alone with someone who was the best you could do under the circumstances.
Have fun! Enjoy the music, the gift-giving, the company of friends and the spirit of the season. Say "I love you" a lot. Imagine a better, kinder, more peaceful world. Give yourself the once-a-year indulgence of believing in magic — and hope that life will reward that belief by steering a little magic your way. Happy holidays!







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