5 Reasons To Be Grateful You're Single Over The Holidays
By Barbara Schiffman. Posted on .
![5 Reasons To Be Grateful You're Single Over The Holidays [EXPERT]](http://images.tangomag.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/node-full/image_blog/skep.jpg "5 Reasons To Be Grateful You're Single Over The Holidays [EXPERT]")
The year-end holidays are around the corner. November and December are stressful months as families prepare for feasting, exchanging presents and celebrating another year. For many singles, however, family gatherings can be painful — especially if parents, siblings or well-meaning relatives wonder why you're not "with someone."
But many couples or divorced singles with kids actually envy single friends who can enjoy holiday perks unavailable to committed pairs and families. As a life coach who's been married for 30-plus years, I urge unattached readers to embrace the benefits of being solo, including some you may not yet appreciate:
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1. In-Laws and friends. Singles are not required to attend boring events hosted by a spouse or lover's family. Being with your own crazy family is challenge enough — especially when they push emotional buttons you thought you'd outgrown. You're also not expected to spend time with your lover's annoying friends. Instead, you can choose which of your friends to hang out with based on who cooks the best turkey or pie, stirs the best martinis, or makes you feel fabulous.
2. Gifts and shopping. No worries that your partner won't appreciate the special gift you slaved over and no need to pretend you love the expensive but atrocious present he/she's bought for you. This takes most of the stress out of holiday gifting. You can also shop just for yourself without guilt at holiday sales because you are your own best friend and always will be.
3. Food and drink. When no one else is keeping tabs on what you ingest or imbibe, you can enjoy a second helping of cheesecake at holiday dinners or parties without guilt. Be sure to enlist a friend to drive you home safely, however, in case you drink more bubbly than usual. Continue reading ...
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Read more about love & gratitude ... and check out YourTango's #loveandgratitude Twitter party on Monday, November 19 from 3-5 p.m. EST!
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