If you are not in a relationship, the holidays can bring up discomfort at social gatherings. At work parties and family holiday affairs people often bring their spouse or significant other so going "solo" can make you feel awkward.
As touching as romantic comedies are, when you are single, certain lines from movies such as Jerry Maguire , Sleepless in Seattle or You've Got Mail can really sting about single life. The line from the movie Jerry Maguire ("You Complete Me") can be painful to think about when you are single and only feel like half a person.
During the holiday season, take some time to do some things you've been wanting to do such as taking a yoga class, going to a cooking class, getting a massage etc. Don't measure your self-worth by whether you are in a romantic relationship or not. It is easy to forget that many relationships have problems or are on the verge of breaking up when you are single and longingly view others at a family gathering holding hands. Today there is a high divorce rate and to regard you sense of self as contingent upon being in a relationship is to not value yourself and your accomplishments.
Going alone to a company Christmas party or a bash at your relatives can be a time to speak with people you haven't seen for a while and have some meaningful rather than empty, superficial conversations. Don't see it as a time to be judged or sized up by others but rather as a time to embrace deeper conversations with others. Practising the art of conversation will be a skill that you can carry into dating and future romantic relationships as well as you practice good listening abilities.
The holidays can be a good time to listen to some audio tapes on personal development and there are lots of popular psychology tapes available . These include topics such as building relationships, learning to love yourself, making
career changes, feeling less stressed at your work environment and improving your relationship with your parents. If you have time alone in the house, listen to some cds and pick up some tips that you can utilize in your life and you'll feel that your time was spent very well as it strengthened you and gave you new tools.
