Five Ways to Survive New Year’s Eve Single

Seeking out other singles and appreciating your blessings make this list.

Second to Valentine’s Day, there’s arguably no more pressure to be part of a couple than on New Year’s. If you’re going to a New Year’s Eve party, it’s practically obligatory to have a date.  That’s because when the clock strikes midnight on Jan. 1, partygoers traditionally lock lips with their significant others. It also doesn’t help that New Year’s Day is the most popular holiday aside from Valentine’s Day on which to tie the knot, and throughout the month of December, jewelry companies routinely run ads urging men to pop the question. Collectively, these factors tend to depress singletons. The good news is that it’s possible to be unattached and upbeat during the holiday season. Here’s how:

Seek Out Other Singles: If you’re ringing in the New Year alone, get together with other singles. The website SelfGrowth.com even recommends throwing your own holiday party for the unattached. Such parties will allow you to “feel relaxed and able to share with folks you have more in common with.”

Appreciate Your Singleness: Even if being unattached stings, it’s important to have faith. WHOLE magazine states: “Have faith and believe that God has you in this season for a reason. We are reminded in Ecclesiastes 3 that there is a time for everything.” 

Dodge Personal Questions: If you’re going to be around your relatives, you’re likely concerned that some of them will question you about why you’re still single. According to eHarmony it’s okay to answer these questions briefly and then deflect them. For example, the dating site advises singletons to say, “Nothing new on that front” and then to continue, “…but work is great. I’m working on this new project. I’ve also taken up yoga classes on the side and am planning to travel next fall.” The goal is to be positive about your life regardless of romantic status.

Don’t Force a Date: Don’t succumb to the pressure to show up with a date at a holiday party, eHarmony warns. “You can always appreciate the company of a good date, especially if your plus one is a friend you tend to have a blast with consistently. However, if you think you need to work overtime to keep your guest entertained, it’s probably not worth the consideration.”

Don’t Relapse: Don’t turn to alcohol, drugs, food or other substances to survive the holidays. Prioritize your mental health. Susan Elliot, author of Getting Past Your Break-Up, notes: “If you are broken up and broken-hearted during the holidays and taunted by everyone’s “Norman Rockwell’ holidays, know that they are probably not having as good a time as they seem and that there is always a January 2nd.”

[ALSO READ: Dating Tips From Authors of The Rules] 

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