The holiday season is basically made for hooking up. Between the ever-popular cuffing season, going home and running into that crush from high school or that fling from college, and all those holiday work parties where everyone indulges in far too much alcohol and merriment, if you're single, you're bound to find yourself in one, if not all of these scenarios. Basically, if you're looking to hook up, having a little romp with some blast from the past or a one-night stand with that painfully adorable co-worker, the holiday season is totally going to play in your favor. But, we're also in the midst of the last Mercury Retrograde of 2017; something to seriously consider during all this hooking up.
"Some say a retrograde planet’s purpose is to link us to past lives and revisit our old karmic issues that need tweaking and, in the best case scenarios, clearing," Jaye at GiftedAstrology.com tells Bustle. "Mercury rules the mind and when it’s in reverse (retrograde), it can make life and relationships hazy, but it gives us the opportunity to see things from a different perspective."
In other words, keep your eyes open and your expectations to a minimum, because Mercury Retrograde is in control for the next couple weeks, and there's no exception when it comes to your holiday hookups.
1You're Probably Not Thinking Clearly
As Jaye points out, Mercury Retrograde is going to dump a whole boatload of haziness on how you see life and relationships. What this means is that you might not have a good reading on your feelings and could possibly interpret hookup scenarios differently than what they actually are. Because of this, you want to be aware of the fact that your mind isn't where it's usually at, so you can sort of fight against it and at least try to see things as clearly as possible — even if this attempt is in vain.
2Everything Might Feel A Bit Odd
"Mercury Retrograde energies can stir up a very personal, introspective phase for people," explains Jaye, "which can be an odd combination with social holiday invites."
If you're stuck in your head, overanalyzing everything that's going on with you, then it can be hard to relate to other people. This means your hookup might feel strained or a bit a off. But if you're aware of this being a possibility then, ideally, you'll be able to do your best to not overanalyze and sort of go with the flow.
3You Might Not Be On Top Of Your Game
"At this time of year it’s typical to have more invitations to social events, office parties and gatherings," says Jaye. "But with Mercury in Retrograde, you might not feel like going out and being social, and that’s completely OK because a lot of people will be feeling the same way."
If you find this is the case, but you push yourself to go to these events, if you find yourself hooking up, you might not feel totally comfortable. Don't force yourself to do something you really don't want to do; there's always next year's holiday hookup season.
4Things And People May Be Delayed
"Mercury in retrograde likes to delay plans," Jaye tells Bustle. What this means for you, at least in regards to your holiday hookups, is that you want to give yourself enough time to get to social events, so you're not running late, possibly missing out on your intended hookup and you shouldn't freak out if you get to a holiday party and the person you've been waiting all year to hookup with isn't there yet. Don't worry; they're on their way, it's just that Mercury Retrograde is making them late.
5Any Hookup You Have Will Likely Be Temporary
Even if your hookup extends past a one-night stand and you two end up making it an ongoing thing, keep in mind that it's still very temporary, so getting attached is a bad idea. In fact, if you want to avoid any unnecessary heartbreak and disappointment, you might want to end it sooner than later.
"When you spot that cutie at a holiday party, remember that Mercury Retrograde hookups are mercurial," explains Jaye. "Read: temporary, impulsive, unstable, flighty."
6Be Wary About Keeping In Touch With Them
Not only will any holiday hookup during Mercury Retrograde be temporary, but if you have an urge to keep in touch with that hookup, don't expect them to respond anytime soon — or ever, Jaye says. These hookups are, after all, flighty.
7Unless, Of Course, You Think They're The One
While there's no guarantee that your holiday hookup will feel the same as you, in regards to being The One, you never know until you put it out there, right? If that's the case, if you're really feeling like this is more than just a hookup and you've found your legit soulmate, then it's time to understand that timing, thanks to Mercury Retrograde, is everything.
"If you think he or she is The One and you’re ready for a lasting love, get their number and set a date after December 22nd, when Mercury goes direct and energies are more supportive and stable," says Jaye.
Although holiday hookups are great, especially since it's such a festive time of year and most people are feeling happier than usual, it's important to take into consideration the effect that Mercury Retrograde will have on these hookups during the next couple weeks. You may not be able to control things, getting them just as you want them, but in simply being aware, you can prepare yourself accordingly.
