Singledom and the Holidays: What do the Singles DO?

Its Officially the Holiday season, and families are preparing feasts, parents are starting to Christmas shop, newlyweds are beginning their own traditions and you.... you are single, and trying to figure out, how this holiday season can be a little better than last year. After all, you were the family's target, because you are single, and besides your family are celebrating the holidays alone. They call you "lonely". All the while you are thinking, "What the hell is their problem...you arent lonely, you are single and perfectly ok with that notion, why in the hell arent they?" This holiday season, Sweet Tooth Media is pleased to bring you a little humor and insight on exactly what to do to deal with these inquisitive folks we call family.

According to Lemon Drop.com, There are roughly 55 million single women in the U.S. Many of them are with-it, smokin' and smart -- and many with their finger on the pulse of life. But when that certain finger is ringless, even the most self-assured single can dread the shame and rebuke of facing disappointed family during the holidays -- especially when the really hostile ones who found the unlocked liquor cabinet constantly undermine you, demanding to know why you can't scare up a date. It can be downright soul-crushing when you come home empty-handed --– literally! -- no ring on that finger, watching family members' faces crumble in disappointment that you're back another year without any engagement bling.

Traditionally, holiday time is the most ego-eroding of seasons for singles – but it doesn't have to be. If you're armed with a few simple coping strategies when heading home (to the hostile) for the holidays, major blowups can be avoided. (Like when loving parents can suddenly morph into unrelenting interrogators.) These people are presumably the people who gave you life -- now they're the ones essentially draining you of it. Some holiday survival tips for singles:


Get Over It Already

If you have recently broke up with your mate (3 or more months prior to the holiday season) I am certain that you will feel the sting of being alone and wonder what the other person is doing, who they are with and what are they buying their date, mother, or dog for Christmas. You may even wonder if they will call you and say "hi". The best thing to do is get over it. If you were close to the family, send a card with a picture of yourself attached. Certainly, you would want to get all dolled up and make them understand exactly what they are missing. If you want to be really festive, buy your ex a small Christmas gift, symbolizing the breakup, progress since the break up or the future you plan to enjoy without them. Dont dwell on the fact that you two arent together, spend the extra money on yourself. Travel Abroad.  

Take the Heat Off Yourself


When Aunt Mary overzealously tries to foist her single drummer from church onto you, try to extricate yourself from this sticky situation by taking the heat off yourself. Suggest that Mary set him up with her own daughter, who's recently divorced. Tell them firmly to table their crusade to get you hitched until a more appropriate time. Don't let overzealous -- and, yes, well-meaning -- family members crush your otherwise cheery holiday mood or project that pressure onto you to find someone.... Basically, tell Aunt Mary to date her drummer from church herself, and that you have no problem getting a date, you just refuse to be miserable like so many other of your family relatives.

Ditch the Family

If you really just arent in the mood for your family's bullshit and empty opinions...Ditch em'. Instead of eating grandma's dressing straight from her stove have her make you a pan of your own and tell her that you are choosing to celebrate with friends. She will understand that the family can be a pain at times and will quickly oblige. If you dont have many friends to celebrate with, split your time and volunteer. There are several organizations and establishments that would love to have you there, NO QUESTIONS ASKED. Have a plan to end the night perfectly doing exactly what you want to do. The next day as you reflect, you will find that you have done something worthwhile, without all the drama that your family brings to holiday festivities.


Confront Your Family, Once and for All

Confront the familial offenders head on and explain that their projected pressure onto you is compounding your insecurities and crushing your self-esteem -- all the while putting undue stress on your relationship with them. Reinforce that although you appreciate their concern, you don't need them to belabor the fact that you're single -- and that their outbursts are backfiring and undercutting you with each insensitive jab.....No NOT really, dont do that. Tell them that if they had a life worth living, they wouldnt be so concerned with yours and that once they live life as free and peaceful as you then and only then will you take advantage of their undying advice.

If none of these things work, over indulge in egg nog and other alcoholic beverages. I hear Kahul;a is great this time of year.
Information obtained from http://www.lemondrop.com/2010/12/13/how-to-survive-the-holidays-single/

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