If you’re single during the holidays, it’s easy to feel lonely for romantic companionship. Winter activities shine a spotlight on our relationship status the whole season long. From the work, family, and social celebrations to shopping and gift-giving – the holidays can feel relentless on the single soul.
Instead of crying in your eggnog, the Kelleher International matchmakers have some healthy holiday suggestions for keeping your spirits bright.
“Being single during the holidays takes some mental toughness,” says Kelleher matchmaker Patty Russell. “To stay positive, it might take a daily attitude shift but it is your responsibility to keep your energy up to attract who and what you want into your life.”
So how can you slay being single during the holidays?
Don’t decline holiday invites because you don’t want to go alone.
The winter holidays are the only time of year when work comes to a grinding halt and people actually focus on fun, friends, and family. We encourage you to accept those holiday invites and show up single, upbeat, and fabulous. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Get clear on exactly what you want and be ready to articulate it.
Be prepared to field questions about your being single during the holidays. Catching up with coupled friends, family, and coworkers during holiday parties can feel like an interrogation if you’re not ready for the relationship rapid-fire questions.
First off, couples appreciate living vicariously through their single friends and are genuinely interested in hearing about your dating life. And everyone who cares about you wants you to find romantic love and companionship.
So, instead of feeling separated step into the spotlight! Take the floor and enjoy sharing your stories of dating adventures. Be sure to include highlights of what you’re looking for in your perfect partner as you weave your stories of singledom.
Use this as an opportunity to ask for what you want! It’s easier to get support and see results when you paint a clear picture of the qualities you’re looking for in a mate.
Don’t get swept up in the stress of it all.
“The holidays are naturally a stressful time, especially if you are single.” Kelleher’s Director of Matchmaking, Kimberly Colgate suggests, “Whether it’s a party you need a date for, the aunt you know will bring up your love life or the longing for a warm body to snuggle with on a cold night. I encourage singles to really set their boundaries to stay in a good mental place. Maybe you bring a friend to that party or buy yourself a deliciously cozy winter robe or perfect holiday party heels. Determine what will make you feel confident and comfortable, and the situation you’re in will inevitably be more enjoyable.”
If you’re not feeling the holidays focus on how you can make the season brighter for those less fortunate.
“This is a great time of year to give back,” Kimberly adds. “Find opportunities to volunteer in your community. It’s not only a great way to help the less fortunate, but also an avenue for meeting new people in your neighborhood. You never know where love will find you.
Use your holiday downtime to get clear on your New Year goals and make a plan.
If you find your emotions on a holiday roller coaster be sure to make time for inner-focus with personal fulfillment at the core.
“I love the clean slate of a new year,” says Kelleher International CEO Amber Kelleher-Andrews. “But to really take advantage of it you’ve got to plan ahead. Setting goals and evaluating personal behaviors, relationships, and desired changes is an excellent counter-balance to the holiday hubbub. Journal, make a vision board, create a spreadsheet – whatever works for you!”
Always be willing to let go.
No matter where you are in life, one of the keys to long-term happiness is your ability to hold on loosely. Don’t latch on to the negative emotions of your situation this holiday or any other time of the year. Feel them and let them go. Same goes for those deliciously overwhelming feelings of love and desire when you connect with someone new. Enjoy precisely where you are in each and every moment.
“We need the balance of highs and lows in our life. It helps us appreciate the moment we’re in,” explains Jill Kelleher, founder of Kelleher International Matchmaking. “Don’t miss the potential magic of the moment wishing for something you don’t have. Make it a goal not to waste a single day of your beautiful life.”
If you’re single during the holidays and want to give yourself the gift of love in 2019, consider calling Kelleher to learn about our matchmaking services. We can start fresh in the new year and help you meet your match.