Surviving The Holidays as a Single

If you are one of the many Baby Boomers who have either chosen the single life (or find yourself there not by choice), the holidays can be the most depressing time of the year. It doesn’t need to be that way. Where is it written in stone that we must be half of a whole in order to enjoy ourselves throughout the year, but most especially during the holiday season? Do you make up excuses why you can’t attend a dinner party, go to a holiday play, or an evening at the local watering hole with friends?

There was a time in my life when I would have rather died than walk into a function alone. I have gone so far as to get all dressed up, drive to the event, sit in the car, and watch. If there was no one I knew walking through that door, I’d give up, drive home, change into my old sweats, and curl up with a good book. Then a very wise woman (my Mother), gave me one of the most valuable of life’s lessons.

Mama said, “What makes you think that everyone will stop talking and turn to stare at you if you walk into a party alone? Why not walk in that door as if you own the place, and then watch people be drawn to you?” Those very words have saved me from many lonely nights, particularly during the holiday season. Now I can hold my up head and party with the best of them.

Once upon a time, there was the belief that if a single woman were invited to a party, she would spend the evening going after the husbands of her friends and acquaintances. No longer can that be said. Some of us really do enjoy our own company. We are comfortable in our own skin and see ourselves as a whole entity, not just someone whose other half is missing. We have friends of both genders and that leads to a very balanced life.

So the next time you are invited to join a group for holiday festivities, respond with an enthusiastic yes. Then go and enjoy yourself! Just keep in mind that you will have to initiate some conversation. Some people will not warm up to you, but others will be very interested in what you have to say. First and foremost however – some will just be green with envy that you have enough confidence in who you are to do what once was the unthinkable. Happy Holidays.

Linda Thompson is founder and President of Life Path Solutions, specializing in the practical side of wellness. She is author of Planning for Tomorrow, Your Passport to a Confident Future, a common sense approach to life planning. Linda is currently writing her next book, The Changing Face of Today’s Society. She can be reached through her web site at www.LifePathSolutions.biz or 480-899-8647