single over the holidays – a quick survival guide

This can apply to any big family holidays, though my focus is impending Christmastime.

I will never shut up about how convenient and okay singledom is, I also can’t pretend it’s always the easiest state of being. The world is still not made for singles, and you can be sure coupledom will want to prove you need to get on board and be unhappy. Despite the hard work and intention I put into appreciating life as is, there are times when it’s harder than usual to shake off the idyllic coupledom imagery. Christmas (and other holidays) tend to take the cake here, because they like to introduce multiple and varied, sometimes underhand hurdles. Here’s a quick a guide to how I plan on surviving this holiday season in singledom. Click on the arrow next to each holiday challenge to read more.

The neglected singledom

The uncomfortable comments

The family time

The loneliness

The comparisons

Are there any other big challenges holidays can throw at single people? Probably many. But whatever the festive season brings, let’s try to keep sight of anchor points to move past it. Remember you are single as a circumstance not anyone’s fault and that’s not any less true over the holidays, so celebrate them if you like. Repel the haters who suggest otherwise and focus your energy on the lovelier aspects of the season: sharing, loving (not necessarily a S.O.) and the traditions that make your heart that much fuller. Hold on tight to affirmations and distance you traveled towards happy singledom, and when the negative feelings strike let them come and go. They do not cancel out the whole time you’ve been working on yourself, doing well and progressing.

I’m wishing everyone a safe and heart-filling festive season. If it’s anything but, I’m sorry you are experiencing it, but I know you can get through it and better things are ahead!

Your single friend

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