‘Tis the season of giving, right? But while you’re out shopping for other people, perhaps it’s worth looking at what gifts you could give your love life this year. Here are 8 special gifts I think your single dating self could use a dash of this holiday.
Give yourself variety, celebration and "nuts" about 'em love.
This season, give yourself…
1. …the gift of acceptance. Just this week at least, accept the things about yourself that probably won’t change—that you’re loud, or laugh funny, or a clean freak, or have spicy food fears—and start asking for the partner who will appreciate you for all of it.
2. …the gift of variety. The holidays are all about a little of this and a little of that, right? Some singing, some baking, some traveling, some resting. So give your dating life the same feeling that you’re sampling it all. This holiday, try new types of people and new types of dates. Say yes to someone you might normally turn down and aim to find the sweet jelly lesson in the center of it.
3. …a gift that only you can use. When you become part of a couple soon, you won’t be able to help thinking about your partner as often as yourself (i.e. “I kind of want tickets to this show…but would my love prefer something else?”) If you don’t have another half to factor into your life equation right now, then prove it by getting those tickets to the quilt exhibit or the punk rock show, or taking that two-day drive through the country. Every day is a gift; don’t wait for a partner to start appreciating it.
4. …the gift of self-confidence. Love the things about yourself that probably won’t change—that you’re loud, or laugh funny, or a clean freak, or have spicy food fears—and start asking for the partner who will appreciate you for all of it. Those unique things about you is what makes your gift different than any other.
5. …the gift of a group love hug. Ever find yourself thinking, “Waaah, nobody loves me!” Well, that’s baloney and you know it. Maybe, right now, you don’t have a partner in your life to share that romantic love. But love itself? It abounds in your family and friends if you’ll just notice it. Don’t do to love what those people who have dissed you have done to you: Give the love around you the time of day. Remind yourself how it feels to have it in your life. Give and get some loving group hugs and think, “I can’t wait to feel this with my half-orange soon.”
6. …much too much of something. I know all the health magazines are full of stories right now about how to have just one chocolate espresso bean instead of a full plate of cookies; how to eat the holiday veggies instead of the gravy. You know what I think? Give into abundance. Have some holiday cookies, decorate with extra ornaments, give too many gifts and drink the dang eggnog (and sure, spike it with a little too much rum!). The love you’re looking for is overflowing and abundant, right? Well, then let your holiday feel that way, too!
7. …an impractical date gift. In such economically tough times, people are looking at practicality more than ever: I mean, do you really need a $75 rabbit wine opener? The problem is, you may be doing the same thing in dating: Do you really need to buy that spa-smelling hair conditioner for your date? No. But if it’s going to make you feel more fabulous and gorgeous than ever when you step foot into life and your search for love tomorrow, I say splurge.
8. …the gift of a fresh, new clean slate. The New Year is all about starting over, and that means erasing all the messy stuff on your emotional chalkboard, too. This holiday, it’s not about what happened in love last year, last month or even yesterday. It’s about what you do today to bring the love you want tomorrow straight to you. So start unwrapping that big red bow of hope and get celebrating.
You might also like:
10 Reasons to Be Thankful for Being Single
10 Things All Singles Must Do
Big love and very happy, loving holidays,
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