Thanksgiving Day marks the official beginning of the holiday season.
While it is a time of happiness, peace, and joy for all I am also aware that it tends to summon the 'bah humbug' in some single folk.
Countless studies will support the fact that this is also a time of great depression and loneliness for singles young and old alike.
As a coach to singles, I believe that it is important to start this flagship holiday off with a bang.
One thing I noticed right away is that some single guys have a different experience than that of a single lady.
Most of the single guys I spoke with were really laid back about the holiday.
Some even had multiple plans set for the big day.
Although most would be content with T & F - turkey and football, others have so many obligatory dinner 'invites' that they need to put the GPS in high gear in order to make the best travel time possible from one destination to the other, and then to the other.
While some guys were planning real low key dinners with football and turkey others have gone for the gusto, even indicating that they are not sure in which coming week the actual dinner eating will conclude.
Newsflash Guys!- no one really enjoys being the last, next to last, or even the second dinner stop on your long list, especially after they've slaved over the stove most of the day.
As for the ladies, some become a bit anxious about the food, the entertainment, the logistics, etc.
They are more focused on making sure everyone who wants a meal for that day gets one...
we should all give lots of thanks for them and their frenzies which usually turn out to be superb occasions.
So now, let's look at a few ways to shine or 'strut' your best stuff as a single person on the big turkey day.
1) Go Where the Fun Is- What better way to 'strut' your single stuff than by attending the traditional Thanksgiving Day Parade.
This is not an opportunity for continuous tailgating and endless drinking.
(We'll explore the New Year's Parade later).
This is more of a 'get out there and be seen by any means necessary' event.
If you are a single parent this is a no-brainer.
If you don't have children, borrow a niece or nephew.
Your siblings will love you for that! Know that this is not a suggestion to trick someone into thinking you are someone you're not, it's just an opportunity to broaden your horizon on getting out in different settings with the possibility of meeting others.
And oh the people you'll meet! This is also a good time to practice randomly striking up conversations.
I suggest at least 5 for an event of this caliber.
Be sure to let me know your numbers.
2) Bring the Fun (or the Noise) With You - Or at least bring the funniest game you can find with you.
I think that new Scrabble card game is great mobile fun.
Also be innovative with your fun.
Give your usual holiday routine a twist.
I have a friend who's planning a turkey stroll after dinner.
She's going to assemble all interested parties together for a stroll outdoors to walk off some of that turkey feast.
3) Be On Time - I know there are many reading these very words and mumbling something that sounds like, "Oh no she didn't".
Yes, I did.
This is what I tell clients in my coaching practice.
You simply should not make others wait for you (especially when food is involved).
It's rude and selfish and there is nothing chic at all about it.
(And yes, I've gotten better at it.
) 4) Make Yourself Available- Forget about everything else for a few hours and remain fully present and focused on your family and friends.
Experience the experience.
You know exactly what I'm talking about.
I know you'll be buzzing, beeping, chirping, and tweeting but please keep it to a minimum.
Mastering this also makes you indispensable.
When I encounter someone who is fully present I can't wait to be around them again.
This will have people keeping you in the loop for upcoming events where other 'present' singles may be.
Mission accomplished.
5) Express Your Gratitude - Showing your family and friends that you are grateful for them will quickly advance you to the life of the party spot.
A simple, yet unique and effective way to show gratitude is to get either a box or two of holiday/Thanksgiving cards or regular thank you cards.
(local dollar stores keep these in ample supply).
I keep a pack of fun thank you cards in my car for emergency gratitude moments.
You can even print your own personal thank you notes up however; if your family is huge (like mine) this can become tedious.
Distribute the gratitude cards to everyone at your thanksgiving dinner..
..
they'll love you for it.
Wishing You Peace & Blessings this Holiday Season! ~Coach Cathy~