A new CatholicMatch.com poll has given us some data to prove what we already know: The holidays are a tough time to be single. Among more than 3,700 online CatholicMatch users polled in the December survey, 40% said that Christmas was the roughest time of the year to be unhitched… with New Year’s Eve a close second with 32% putting it in the number one “ugh” slot.
“I think all holidays are bad without someone special to share them with, but I have my family for most of them,” reported Michelle-407188. “I would have to say the worst is New Years. New Years is for being with close friends! It is way more fun to share it with someone special than alone!”
Women were slightly more likely to vote their solo New Year’s as most depressing – 35% of women compared with 28% of men – and the older you were, the worse it seemed to watch the ball drop without someone to smooch at the end.
According to CatholicMatch.com results, respondents vented about the awkward midnight kiss and the lack of partnership entering into a new year. “Everyone is paired off and dressed up,” Denise-464246 wrote. “Sitting at home with my bottle of sparkling cider is boring – even if I put on my nice PJs.”
My husband and I will smooch in the New Year together after dinner with a few close friends this year, but lemme tell ya, I know about solo New Year’s Eves. Indeed, that’s the secret reason why I hosted so many parties over the years: For five years running—all through my New York City single days—I’d host enormous (I’m talking need-to-repaint-the-walls afterward kind of big) parties at my apartment. Not because I was a particularly giving person. No. I just wanted to see whom I might meet along the way! (One year, as the clock began to strike midnight, I may have been heard shouting “kisses for the hostess!” in the vicinity of a particularly handsome man, but I’ll deny all of it.)
If you’re ringing in the New Year solo this year, try to get with a larger group of friends and head out to a party or local bar. There will be other singles there, too, and who knows who you might meet. Or try online dating: It’s going to be a New Year’s Resolution for many to get online to find a good match.
But single or married, engaged or having relationship problems, I wish you blessings and new joy for 2010. I pray this new year, this new decade is one of love, laughter and happiness for us all.
My motto for 2010 is “With God, all things are possible.” I’m full of hope and anticipation. As you think through your New Year’s resolutions, come up with your own personal motto and email me at puresex@bustedhalo.com
Happy New Year!