The holidays are upon us, which means Christmas parties, endless family dinners, and lots of time spent with old friends.
Unfortunately, if you’re single and looking for love, this time of year can also mean awkward situations and a lot of social pressure. So how do you survive the holidays as a single guy?
Here are some simple tips to help you enjoy the season without feeling left out or lonely.
Where Can He Take His Mom?
There are several ways for a single guy to make his mom feel loved and appreciated. A great way is a gift that speaks directly to her interests.
If your mom loves reading, a book she’s been meaning to pick up or an e-reader loaded with all of her favorite books would be perfect.
If she loves nature and spends time outside, consider giving her something eco-friendly or botanical like plants, seeds, or a terrarium kit.
Family Dinner Parties
Showing up solo can be tough. But it’s often a necessary part of life when your friends get together as couples or as families.
If you find yourself in that position, there are some small steps you can take to make everyone at least slightly more comfortable with your presence.
First, don’t judge other people’s romantic situation—even if they’re getting a little sappy and lovey-dovey.
Second, offer to help around wherever possible—you might help clear dishes after dinner or offer something like another bottle of wine (and then pour one for your friends). Third, just follow everyone else’s lead—they probably won’t bring it up, but they’ll appreciate that you’re trying.
What Else Can He Do?
If you’re going to spend Thanksgiving dinner with your relatives, don’t worry: there are plenty of ways for you to fit in.
Talk with everyone instead of trying and failing at a particular activity (like asking your grandmother about her aches and pains). Bring up neutral topics that most people can talk about, like current events or politics.
During dinner, get up from your seat and grab a few more rolls or something else off of one of those big trays near your grandmother—and then pass it along.
Stay Happy
When it comes to Christmas, staying happy is more important than anything else. That’s right.
While your friends and loved ones are shopping and preparing for presents, you need to focus on yourself and what truly makes you happy—giving presents! Think about it: If a person genuinely likes you, they’ll have no problem with your gifts!
The key here is that if something seems like too much effort or is indifferent toward your well-thought-out present, maybe they aren’t worth giving a gift in exchange for their fake one.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking about skipping a holiday gathering altogether, think again.
Even if you are not in a relationship, make an effort to go out and spend time with others—this is your first chance at solidifying your adult friendships. Then, when things cool off after New Year’s, reach out and try to schedule regular nights out with friends and co-workers.
The more people who know that you are an active social person, generally speaking, the more opportunities for others to invite you to places. That will help build your network outside of work and at work.
More importantly, safeguard yourself from any unforeseen consequences during the holiday season. The good thing is to take life insurance or consult the IH team for more information.