Mistletoe Madness and Other Holiday Mischief:
Ten Tips for Singles Celebrating the Season
by
Jerusha Stewart, author of The Single Girl's Manifesta and "The Singles Concierge"
at
www.TheLastSingleGirlintheWorld.com
Confused by holiday dating etiquette and singlehood protocol? What's a single to do with the season's invitations when you're causally dating and don't have an official boyfriend/girlfriend? Or are you feeling like you're last on holiday gift lists? There's no need to wear mistletoe to keep your season bright. Here are ten ways to bring joy to your world during the holidays.
1. Designate a date. Make a pact with an opposite sex buddy: I'll go to your holiday office parties if you'll go to mine. You'll have no problem introducing him as a friend because it's the truth.
2. Separate business and pleasure. If you are seeing someone be clear that the holiday gathering is a "work-related" activity not the highlight of your social life. You'll meet him afterwards for that romantic dinner.
3. Be prepared for THE question. When friends and family at holiday gatherings ask: "What happened to what's his name?" or "Are you seeing anyone special?" "Say yes! And I decided to bring her!" (Pointing to you.) Then share something you've learned about your personal happiness over the past year. Seeing you happy will make them more comfortable with your singleness.
4. Get away to a new singles scene- Pack a bag and click your keyboard or head to an airport counter to find your best bets for a surprise weekend away.
5. Create your own traditions. Host an annual cocktail party. You'll have something to look forward to and so will your single friends. Or go caroling with the gang at your favorite hangouts. Stay for dinner at the last stop. Focus on bonding with friends and family. Take your best family memories and make them better.
6. Indulge yourself. It's the season of giving. Play Santa Claus and splurge on something you really, really want. Buy yourself something you'd normally reserve for a special occasion ? or go to that new restaurant, spa, or trendy shop you've always been meaning to visit. Invite another single friend to join you as an extra special gift.
7. Dress for the season. Add some sparkle and shine to your wardrobe. Try wearing one of those new glittery shadows or luscious red lipsticks. Slip into an ultra-soft cashmere sweater. Look fabulous - tis the season to be sexy and sensational!
8. Mix and mingle. With everyone out and about, there are dozens of opportunities for meeting new people. The holiday open houses, dances and celebrations for singles are a great way to meet other unattached individuals and expand your social network. Multi-task and make same sex friends while you look for love. Your easy camaraderie will make you seem less competitive and look more confident to the opposite sex.
9. Give to others. Nowhere to spend the holidays; why not spend it with others sharing your same situation but under more unfortunate circumstances. Your generous gift of time will warm their hearts and yours. And more than likely you'll meet other singles with whom you have giving the gift of service in common. Reaching out and easing someone else's suffering will remind you to be thankful for all your blessings.
10. Spend sometime inside- Amid the burgeoning hustle and bustle of the season; cultivate inner peace. Take time for a deep breath before you plunge into the hectic fun-filled days and nights of the holidays. Don't over indulge in food or alcohol. Get plenty of sleep. Give yourself plenty of tender loving care. This is especially important during the increased demands of the holiday season when you'll be tempted to over commit.
©2005 Jerusha Stewart, author of The Single Girl's Manifesta and "The Singles Concierge"
at
www.TheLastSingleGirlintheWorld.com
Sourcebooks is proud to present The Single Girl's Manifesta: Living In a Stupendously Superior Single State of Mind by Jerusha Stewart (ISBN: 1-4022-0503-1; November 2005; Self-Help/Relationships; $12.95 U.S./$17.95 CAN; paperback), a glorious vindication for those who are single by choice and are not held captive-literally or figuratively-by the tyranny of the "We."
Jerusha Stewart addresses issues about how to live exquisitely single and how to manage life's milestones when you're unmarried. Ms. Stewart has recently been featured on "The Tyra Banks Show," San Francisco's KRON 4 Morning News, and national radio coast to coast.
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