Don't feel left out of the party; create your own celebration.
The end-of-year holiday crush provides many opportunities to socialize in festive holiday celebrations to send off the old year and usher in the new. Sometimes, though, you may find the non-stop party is a stark reminder of what you don't have. Perhaps you just got out of a relationship, moved to a new town, or you simply don't feel comfortable in a crowd. When the marketing push for parties, celebration and that all-important kiss at midnight makes the pangs of loneliness take on a sharper edge, you can take steps to reduce the sting.
Instructions
1. Ditch any preconceived notion that New Year's has to be the same experience for everyone. No law is on record that everyone must celebrate the holidays any specific way, so however you decide to spend it, even if it is by yourself doing nothing at all, is perfectly acceptable. By ripping the expectations from the idea of New Year's Eve, you realize it's just a day like any other, which leaves you free to do whatever you normally like to do.
2. Make a contingency plan that takes into account what triggers your loneliness. If you have friends who are couples, it may emphasize the loneliness by making you feel like a "third wheel," if you are asked to tag along on their celebration of New Year's. Instead, join a singles group to learn something new, which shifts the focus from established relationships toward the excitement of meeting new people.
3. Celebrate being unencumbered. Being alone doesn't mean you have to be lonely. Shift your perception toward something more positive, such as indulging in a "you" day. Pamper yourself as a way to take a breather from the hectic pace of the holidays. Take a spa day, get out of town for a change of scenery, or just treat yourself to a relaxing night at your place eating take-out or listening to your favorite music.
4. Think outside the box to come up with a new tradition to take the place of any old or ordinary ones. Use this opportunity to reach out and make a difference in your community. Volunteer or join a crisis hotline. By doing so, you will remind yourself you are a significant presence in the universe. It will also remind you to appreciate those things in your life you may be taking for granted, which replaces loneliness and yearning with self-respect and gratitude.
5. Talk it out. Burying your feelings and putting on a happy face just because everyone expects you to be cheerful only exacerbates those feelings of loneliness. Instead, talk to close friends or family, or perhaps join a support group. Once you realize you're not the only one who feels this way, you'll feel less alone.
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