No date for the holidays? No problem!
Data researchers David McCandless and Lee Byron found that breakups peak in the month of December, two weeks before Christmas and for many people this means being alone during the holidays.
Although this might seem like bad news, it's not. The bright side of breakup season is that there's a greater number of singles on the market, which makes it the best time to be single and on the hunt to find the "right" one. Here are the four ways you can make the most wonderful time of year the most wonderful time to find the right one:
1. Surround yourself with positive people
Some of us have a tendency to dwell on the past and seek advice from other single friends about what could have been; should have been; would have been. But the more you talk about it -- the more you'll think about it. And if you're getting advice from someone who is also single, chances are -- their advice isn't any good. Rather than hanging out with your single friends who just go on and on about how "there's no good women or there's no good men," be conscious of the people you surround yourself with. Make an effort to spend time with positive people who want to look good, do good and partake in fun activities that will open your circle to potential dates.
2. Make plans and stick to them
Typically people spend the holidays reflecting, and that tends to leave most single people in a funk. Being wrapped up in thoughts about all the things that went wrong in your last relationship is not the way to spend the holidays. This is the time of year when your odds are the greatest, but you have got to put a little extra effort into finding a mate. Make plans to go out. Set a date and stick to it. Join a Meetup group, go out with friends, or choose a hobby that will expose you to a larger circle of people and increase your chances of meeting new prospects. A few examples would be dance classes, culinary arts academy and team sports, etc.
3. Avoid family interrogations at all costs
During family gatherings, almost everyone wants to know about your relationship status and if you are single you might as well be under the spotlight. The dating scene is tough enough. Being probed by the people you love can be hurtful and can create additional tension and unnecessary self-doubt. Avoid those conversations at all costs. Use phrases like, "I prefer not to talk about this today so let's focus on the family." Protect yourself and your heart by simply excusing yourself from any topics involving your singlehood.
4. Adjust your Attitude
Being single is not a disease but it is a status that you would like to change. Understand that meeting someone is going to take some real effort. You will have to go to new places to meet new faces. If you catch yourself on the couch or going to bed extra early, you're not taking the necessary actions to put you on the path to finding the right one. You will have to upgrade your wardrobe, wear nice clothing, high heels, makeup, ties, blazers, etc. But looking the part is not good enough. You will also have to adjust your attitude. Stop wearing your last breakup on your face; it will only turn off the beautiful woman or handsome man across the room. Smile and be pleasant to increase your chances of being approached by a person who just might end up being your soul mate.
(If you liked this post, head over to www.AskDearLove.com for more relationship advice from author and expert Charles A. Johnson.)