What's the Deal with Going Solo? Thoughts on the New Year

Happy New Year, everyone!  Hope everyone's off to a good (and safe) start this new year.

I don't know about you, but I love new years.  New beginnings.  A fresh start.  It's a chance to say good bye to old, ugly habits and a chance to try to make a better tomorrow.

Aaaahhh....  Just love that new fresh year feeling, don't you?

***

Have you ever noticed that when the holidays come around, those articles about being single also come out in droves?  Those angsty-type ones with women empowerment and all that weaved in for good measure.

Hey!  Don't get me wrong.  I was once single too, you know, and yes, have also spent a number of holidays "alone" (but technically not alone as I was always surrounded by family.  That SHOULD always count, right?)

Anyway, this post is, in a way, also a tribute to those who feel they are alone and are scared/annoyed at going solo for a time.

A quarter of my adult life (18 to now, early 30ish), have been spent in a relationship, whether with a boyfriend or as a married woman.  Sure, I've experienced the pangs of loneliness during the days I was single, and at some point even when I was still dating the ex-BF (now Husband) as we were located in different countries (i.e. Long Distance Relationship).  Not having someone to call anytime or pick me up from school/work/etc. or not being able to drag someone out whenever I felt like it is sometimes a drag.

It was lonely at times; but it did not really get me that down and depressed because:

1. I've been known to go solo lots of times.  I've watched movies on my own, went to parties/weddings/events/plays/musicals/acts without a date (family or otherwise).  Heck!  It doesn't even bother me much if I find myself dining alone, no matter how fancy the restaurant.  And;

2. I find these quiet times by myself relaxing and in a sense, helps me better appreciate the time I do have whenever I am with family or friends.  I understand that the world does not revolve around me and that other people are also living their own lives.  There will be times when others simply cannot take the time to accompany me to where ever I need/want to go.

My point being is, don't let the fact that you're single drag you down.  Go see a movie solo.  Eat a fine meal alone.  It's not gonna hurt you to still live your life dateless for a while.  Ignore your "well-meaning" relatives and friends who keep on pestering you about your relationship status because, frankly, it's really not they're business.

Go live life dateless, I say!  It's your happiness on the line, anyway.   J

Happy new year again, everyone!