As the holiday season approaches (yes, it’s almost that time of year again) singles face a whole range of challenges. This is the time of year when society sends out all sorts of messages about how the “normal” way of being is to be happily involved with someone special, spending time with your loving family, and generally enjoying all of the benefits of being in a happy, loving, stable, meaningful relationship.

In other words, it’s a terribly difficult time for singles whose live don’t match up with this (impossible) ideal scenario. So what should you do about it? How can you avoid spending another holiday season feeling miserable or out of place? The key is to plan ahead.

1. Resolve right now not to buy in to the holiday hype about loving relationships, family, and the like. Whether you are in the early stages of dating someone or not dating anyone at all at the moment, make the choice to set aside the “Hallmark version” of the holidays and focus instead on approaching this time of year with the mental attitude that you’re just fine the way you are.

2. Think ahead about what you want to do on the actual holidays themselves. Do you want to spend time with extended family? Get together with friends? Get out of town and go on vacation? Focus on what you really want to do and then get started making plans to actually do it.

3. Stay flexible with your expectations. This is especially important if you’re dating someone but the relationship is not yet overly serious; don’t assume you’re going to spend the holidays together, but don’t assume you’re not going to spend them together, either. Try letting go of expectations for what “should” happen and just go with the flow of the relationship as it progresses naturally through the next couple of months.

The holidays can be difficult for singles to face, but if you plan ahead and keep a healthy mindset they can be fun and rewarding!

Family Family, Holidays

This year Halloween falls on a Saturday night, which means there will be parties galore to attend. From organized events sponsored by local organizations to in-home parties put together by friends or co-workers, there are plenty of options for singles to have tons of Halloween fun.

If you’re just in the early stages of dating someone, look for a party that’s sponsored by a local organization of some kind. Radio stations are famous for hosting Halloween bashes, and so are other organizations like churches, bars and restaurants, non-profit charities, and the like. Each of these parties is going to have a slightly different atmosphere so pick the one that’s going to be most comfortable for you and your date.

Radio station parties – Usually loud and crowded; lots of dancing and often an assortment of games and other activities (with prizes) throughout the night

Bars and restaurants – Can also be loud and crowded, depending on the size of the place and the type of crowd it attracts; may or may not have dancing, games, and other activities; nearly always has specials on food, drinks, appetizers, and the like

Churches – These are often family-style events where parents and kids participate equally; many larger churches, though, also sponsor singles parties and/or adult parties for a safe and fun Halloween. Likely to be more sedate than other parties, in an atmosphere that is more focused on social interaction

It’s a good idea to talk with your potential date in advance about what kind of party he or she would be most comfortable attending. Choosing the right party is a great way to spend time with someone new and be assured there will be plenty of activity to keep you occupied throughout the evening!

Dating Essentials Halloween, Holidays, Party

With all of the media sensationalism over the recent swine flu outbreak, it’s easy to start feeling a bit paranoid about getting out there and meeting new people. Those pictures of people walking around wearing surgical masks and the daily briefings with a “sky is falling” theme are downright scary.

Fortunately, it seems the flu outbreak is winding down and hasn’t been nearly as serious as originally feared. There is another sickness going around, though, and this one has no cure.

It’s called Spring Fever. It’s extremely contagious. And there’s no cure except to get outside, get active, and let it run its course.

Spring is a natural time for singles to feel energized about finding a new partner and it comes with plenty of opportunities for doing just that. If you find yourself suffering from this seasonal affliction, here are five great ways to get through it and even share it with others:

1. Join a co-ed softball team sponsored by the local parks & recreation department.

2. If you have a dog, take it to the nearest dog park on a regular basis.

3. Get outside in the evenings after work and go for a walk.

4. Sign up for an outdoor class like kayaking, fishing, or the like.

5. Sign up for group golf lessons and make a point of playing the local par-3 course at least once per week.

These may sound kind of silly or even ho-hum, but I guarantee that you’ll find yourself having some fun, enjoying the spring a bit more, and perhaps even meeting other singles like yourself along the way.

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