Is being single during the holidays any different than being single the rest of the year? No. Not really. It just feels different, I guess. Maybe it’s because I see people during the holidays that I usually manage to avoid don’t have the opportunity to see the rest of the year. These “well-meaning” people seem to think asking, “Are you still single?” is an acceptable question to start conversations with. Let me tell you, it is not. Or maybe it feels different because those damn Kay’s commercials start popping up every five seconds and I long for the day I find that my kisses begin with K instead of booze.

But I think more accurately, being single during the holidays feels different because it’s the end of the year and I’m going to start another year alone and depressed. Ha! Made you look. This isn’t that kind of post. If you’re looking for someone to commiserate with about the loneliness of the holidays you’ve come to the wrong place, my friend. I’m sure there are people out there who will wallow with you… I’m not one of them. Why not? Because wallowing is not a good look on me and frankly, it’s not a good one for you either.

I do however, really hate those Kay’s commercials and fully believe that well-intentioned or not, people should never ask if someone is still single. Instead of getting upset about it though let’s think about it a bit differently.

Do we really care what Aunt Fran who still wears puffy paint sweatshirts with Santa on the front thinks about our singledom? Nope. Hey Fran, I love the 80’s just as much (if not more) as the next person but they called and they’d really like you to know that puffy paint is never making a comeback so it’s okay to go ahead and put it away for good. Okay, now that we got that out of the way here’s another thing – yes, I’m still single and you know what? I’m okay with that. I know that since “Designing Women” was cancelled in ‘93, you’ve needed something else to worry about, but let’s just say that I’m fine and so is Julia Sugarbaker for that matter. We don’t need you worrying about us.

Sure we single ladies may not be getting a diamond ring under the Christmas tree anytime soon but that does not equate to loneliness. I was engaged before and my holiday included trying to pick out the perfect gift for his mommy (yeah, he really called her that… seriously.) and then sitting around the dining room table listening to these people talk all while longing to be home alone in my pajamas watching Love Actually. Those holidays spent with his family were much lonelier than my holidays are now. Now I spend time with my family (even Aunt Fran), friends or alone. I do whatever I want now. This is the way life should always be.

I’m not saying I never want to be in a relationship again (Honestly, I would love a nice boyfriend). And I’m not saying that the holidays are better when you’re single. I am not a relationship hater by any means. I’m simply saying to embrace where you are right now. Accepting that 2009 is not going to end in a blissful relationship doesn’t mean giving up. It’s just means that you can be happy wherever you are in your life. And Fran…I’m serious about the puff paint. Give it up.

Related posts:

1. [date] Single and Fabulous on Valentine’s Day
2. [do] Homemade Holiday Gifts That Don’t Suck
3. [date] Meeting My Match: Deal Breaker
4. [do] Wichitans’ Holiday Traditions
5. [date] Meeting My Match: Part 1