This is the social script weve all been soldand not just by Bridget Jones.
Cue more sofa wails and pitying looks at family gatherings when relatives ask you about your love life.
Christmas lights lining the street.
Photo: Courtesy Everett Collection
Obnoxiously large trees bringing some pizzazz to shop windows.
Silly little ornaments dangling from just about anything with a hook.
This feeling is compounded, too, by our jam-packed calendars.
There are work parties.
Annual reunions with old friends.
And even if nothing happens, its still nice to know that it could.
A cheering wander arounda Christmas market?
A couple of mulled wines consumed in a cozy pub corner?
A simple nighttime walk illuminated by the citys sparkling fairy lights?
Even the supermarkets feel alluring.
There are practical benefits, too.
No arguments about which of the in-laws youll spend the 25th with.
you’ve got the option to decorate your home however you like.
Binge on whatever TV series or film franchise you like without shame or judgement.
And generally you just have a lot more time to focus on yourself.
Tell me your favorite things about being single at Christmas, I wrote, optimistically.
I actually didnt sleep last night because Im worried I wont ever have children, said another.
Neither of us was sure.
Its time to push back on that narrative.
Because its all too tempting to lean into it, particularly if youve recently broken up with someone.
But the second you do, it will define your entire December.
Nobody wants to be around that person, least of all you.
Youll wind up creating a self-fulfilling prophecy of misery.
So, if youre single this Christmas, kindly consider this your permission slip to indulge yourself a little.
Spend the money you wouldve spent on a partners present on yourself instead.
Surround yourself with friends and family who love and adore you.
Flirt with strangers at every possible opportunity.
