ICYMI – the holidays are here! As much as some of us might live for the cheer of this time of year, for others, it can sometimes feel a little lonely. But it certainly doesn’t need to be. It’s clear that sometimes holidays can cater to the coupled up people of the world (annoying), and that can definitely be frustrating… but here’s the deal: You get to choose your family, regardless of relationship status. So for our amazing single squad, you can 100% have a holiday season filled with all the love you deserve!
Word on the street is you can be single without being solo, and we’re here to help break it down for you. Time to toss the holiday stress and expectations out the window and follow some of these tips instead.
1. Embrace Your Singleness
A recent study1 in the UK definitely bummed us out a little by revealing almost half (48%) of singles find the winter holiday season the toughest time to be single. Even though this time of year can draw attention to people’s relationship statuses, our advice is to just lean into it and say “who cares!” It’s honestly a huge misconception that you need a partner to enjoy the holidays. Show up and spend that amazing time with your friends and family, and if they have any annoying questions for you… refer to our last post.
Sure, maybe it can sometimes feel weird to be the only single person at your holiday dinner, but flip the narrative. You get to be the only single person! You get to show up whenever you want to, gift whatever you feel like gifting, and leave whenever you want. Embrace that sh*t! Never let it stop you from hanging out with the people you love the most.
2. Don’t Let the Holiday Season Stop You from Doing Your Thing
It seems like people have a sort of all-or-nothing approach when it comes to dating around the holidays – you either go all in or you go on a hiatus, and it doesn’t have to be that way at all. If you’re single and want to go out on some cute AF holiday dates, there are other singles out there wanting the same! Sometimes, people put all this pressure on dating around the holidays thinking it needs to be this serious commitment, but it doesn’t. You don’t need to find the love of your life just because it’s December. You’re allowed to just have some fun and spend some time with cool new people.
You also don’t have to be after romance at all. Sometimes, the holidays can make you feel like you need a relationship when really you might just want connection – whatever that looks like. 51% of singles said they were open to making new connections, romantic or not, over the holidays so they don’t have to feel solo. Be like them! Do your thing.
3. Take it Digital
If you’re dreading being in a different city over the holidays ‘alone’ – this is your reminder to download a dating app! Obviously, we’re partial to Plenty of Fish, but as long as you’re using the online world to your advantage, we’re still happy (kind of). Even if you’re not traveling, meeting people IRL might still feel a bit uncomfy for you with the state of the world. 30% of our singles are feeling nervous about approaching people in person, so it’s time you used your trusty smartphone to keep you connected.
Don’t worry if you want to turn the pressure dial way down either. 32% of singles agree they don’t need things to move super fast, and actually want a sense of community out of the online dating world. That’s your new crew! Especially if you’re on Plenty of Fish, Live! lets you feel like you’re hanging out with people even when you’re at home in your sweats.
4. Same Same, But Single
Your most important tip of all? Don’t let anyone’s expectations stop you. Do all the things you would do if you were in a relationship, just do them with your single crew instead (or meet some new people to hang with!). 57% of singles agree that this time of year leaves room for way more opportunities to get together and socialize, so time to get out there and do it!
Reach out to those friends you haven’t been able to see in forever, plan a date with someone who’s caught your eye, or host a festive gathering or movie night. Celebrate that seasonal singledom because you deserve it!
