Surviving the Holidays Single, Again
Now that we are officially in the last month of the year, the holidays are practically here. Sure we are about three weeks away, but time will fly as it always does! And if you know you need to get someone special a gift this time of year, deciding what to get is often the hardest part.
Even though we are in prime “holiday-engagement” season and our social media channels are filled with ring posts, this is the exception, not the norm. In fact, many couples equally break up this time of year. But this bitter note is often overlooked as others leap into engagements.
The truth is holiday breakups are a thing for a number of reasons. Some people simply fall out of love. Others acknowledge that it is too early to make that big “meet the parents” move that can cause a lot of tension in a relationship and tear it apart. Plus, there is the general stress that surrounds the holidays, and if things aren’t that serious yet, some may opt to jump ship before taking that next step and, in doing so, limit the pressure of getting one more gift.
Bottom line, holiday breakups are totally a thing, whether because a relationship is too new to take that next step or it has just reached a dead end. People rarely post about them, but they happen time-and-time again.
So if you sadly or happily find yourself in this situation, what do you do? For starters, don’t panic. You probably have been single during past holidays and survived just fine. Sure you are also dealing with a potential heartbreak this time around, but like any struggle in life, you can overcome it with time because you are strong and you are a fighter.
And while time heals all wounds, a nice holiday distraction can’t hurt. Whether you are tearing up about or celebrating this current breakup and intro to single life all over again, you deserve to treat yourself. Remember, being single during the holiday season isn’t all bad. Sure you are down a gift, but there is so much more to gain.
Consider these tips if you are trying to lift your single spirit this holiday season:
Spoil yourself
You should always try to manage your money, but in this case treat yourself! If something has been on your wish list, why wait for someone to gift it to you when you can get it yourself. You are now shopping for one less person, so you technically have the money already set aside. Obviously don’t go crazy and max out your credit card, but live a little.
Insta-vacation
Maybe you planned to stay at home this holiday. Well think again. If you have enough paid-time-off left, take a few extra days and plan an impromptu trip. If you can gather some friends last minute, that is great. If not, going on your own will ensure a fabulous Eat, Pray, Love moment when you can really reflect on yourself and focus on you.
Makeover?
I am not sure about anyone else, but one of my favorite breakup rituals used to be dyeing my hair. Something about a fresh start and trying something new is both scary and exciting. Maybe try that if you are daring, or to be safer and just shop for new clothes, makeup, whatever. Don’t do it to please anyone else except yourself. That is the key.
Born and raised in Northern Virginia, Christina aspires to be a public relations professional in a big city after graduation from James Madison University. In her free time when she’s not blogging away about dating and relationships, Christina loves to go shopping, watch Netflix and play with every puppy that crosses her path.