The holiday season is coming to an end, and we're heading back to reality this week as the last of us get back to our usual grind. I was fortunate enough to spend quality time with loved ones, enjoy a bit of R & R, and somehow catch up on an impressive lack of proper sleep accrued over the past few months. Going home for the holidays is like nothing else in the world.
Aside from the get-togethers, gift exchanges and endless calories, there's often something else on the agenda when we're single and home for the holidays. Will we see our hometown bae, or meet someone new this holiday season?
If you're not currently dating anyone serious and home for the holidays, here are the five types of guys you may have encountered during your visit home:
1. The old fling. We never really do forget about this one, do we? He hasn't left your hometown, and he hasn't really changed much, aside from a slightly receding hairline. You'll both catch up for coffee and suddenly it's as if you haven't skipped a beat. There is no awkwardness between you, just good conversation and a solid catch up. He tells you about the job that he's still at, how his family has been, and brings up memories of the two of you from 3 years back that still make you burst into laughter. You may even let it cross your mind, just for a moment, couldn't I just move back and end up with this guy? He's nice, and you're comfortable with him. You're quickly jolted back to reality as the conversation turns to the latest adventure you've had traveling to the Middle East, and the stories of your big city escapades. It's lovely to catch up, but he's an old fling for a reason.
2. The back-burner guy. This guy is your go-to. He's always there when you're home to visit -- it's the perfect situation for both of you. You're not really going out on fancy dates, just grabbing a few beers with friends and taking caution to leave the romance out of it. Sure, you'll catch up a few times during your time back, but you're not really exchanging gifts or bringing him over to meet the parents.
3. The long-time friend with potential. You've been really looking forward to seeing this one. You're both doing well in your careers, and catch up regularly. Things have always been strictly platonic, but hey, the holidays are a magical time, and things could spark between the two of you. After all, wouldn't it logistically make sense for the future? You would never have to worry about splitting the holidays by city with your significant other if you're from the same hometown.
4. The pleasant surprise. This one can really come out of left field. Just because you're home for the holidays, who says you can't stay on top of your dating game? You see this really cute guy at the local bar in your hometown, why not just say hello? Invite him over to your mother's house for a hot tub make out session as if you're back in high school. Bonus if he's also home for the holidays -- play your cards right and you could be visiting him next month for date #2. Hello, ski vacation!
5. The guy back home. Things haven't really been happening between the two of you lately, but he's been checking out your Snapchat story religiously while you're home for the holidays. You get that Happy New Year text right at midnight, and he's clearly thinking of you. It didn't work last year between the two of you, so let's leave him there.
So, maybe things will work out with that old hometown fling, or maybe that platonic relationship between you and your long-time friend isn't so platonic after all. Maybe you'll take a chance and go on that second date with the new guy. The holiday season is a great time to share with loved ones and potentially find that special someone, and hey, if not, there's always next year.