Being single during the holiday season is a blessing in disguise. Hell, it can be a straight up blessing. Yeah, all you awkward aunts might be asking when you're getting settle down, but don't let that fool you — being single is amazing. It gives you time to learn about yourself, figure out what you like, and prioritize what's important to you. And that's just as true during the holidays as any other time. “I think being single is an exercise that every person should go through at some point in their adult life. It is a time that gives us the distance and clarity that we need to get to know who we truly are as a person, and to firmly define what it is that we want in a future partner,” psychologist Dr. Nikki Martinez tells Bustle. And you might realize that you never want a partner— if that's what being single teaches you, then that's totally fine.
And while living the single life is great all the time, being single during the holiday season has so many benefits. Sure, you may not always have a plus-one to the holiday party, but that can be a good thing. So here are seven benefits of being single during the holidays, because it makes your office party way more fun:
1. You Get Proper Time With Your Family
If you're splitting holidays with a partner, holidays turn into more of a driving marathon than a time for relaxing. It's even more complicated if either (or both) of your parents have split up. Being single means you get to go home and really recharge and bond with your family, without having to leave halfway through or check your phone every 10 minutes.
2. ... And You Can Be Grateful You're Not In One Of Those Relationships
Family time around the holidays means every couple is under a microscope, and it can be terrifying listening to your judgmental relatives tear them apart. When you're single, you know you're holding out for the right relationship, rather than getting into a train wreck for everyone to gossip about.
3. You Don't Have To Do Any Awkward Liaising
Yeah, sure it can be difficult to answer the "Why are you single?" question, but you know what's worse? Dealing with being the middleman between your significant other and your crazy family. You can spend the whole day walking on eggshells, worried about what political faux pas your aunt will make or that your partner will get offended by a joke that lands wrong. Handling your family is enough.
4. You Can Fill The New Year With What You Actually Want
As the holidays approach, the next year is on the horizon. Rather than having a partner you need to run everything by and take into consideration, enjoy having a year laid out ahead of you that you can develop to what you really want and need. Having some time to grown and learn is really precious, so take advantage of it.
5. You Can Have A Proper Flirt At Holiday Parties
The holidays mean party time. Office parties, friends parties, drinks — it's a busy month or so. And when you're single, you can really go out and enjoy the parties. Get your flirt on, enjoy the confidence boost and whether you see them again or not is up to you. It's the perfect time to be a social butterfly.
6. Extra Money To Treat Yourself
It's an expensive time of year, buying presents and traveling everywhere. And as much as you love them, buying gifts for your partner can be expensive. But if you're single, you can use that extra money for a bit of self care — you need it this time of year more than ever. Buy a cozy blanket, a manicure, some essential oils, or anything that's going to help keep you happy and relaxed.
7. You Don't Have To Panic About Presents
Along with having extra money, you're free from the stress of picking out presents for your partner. Because shopping is always stressful, but buying stuff for your partner is always extra stressful. What if they spend way more money than you? Or way less? What if they don't think your present is thoughtful enough? There's enough to stress about this holiday season, you don't need to worry about that sh*t.
The holidays are a time when there's a lot of pressure to be in a couple — but there's no need to give into it. Instead, be proud of being single and focus on all of the great things about being independent this time of year. Because there are so many benefits.
Images: Fotolia; Giphy (7)
