It’s that time of year again, darling! Time for turkey and stuffing…and answering a lot of questions about your relationship status. But honestly, Thanksgiving can be a really fun holiday, even when you’re flying solo. Here’s your Single Girl’s Thanksgiving Survival Guide to help you navigate what can sometimes be a challenging time of year! Check out the tips and tricks for things you can do before, during, and after your holiday gathering, to help you get into – and stay in – the joys of the season as a single woman.
Prep ahead of time!
1. Set up a support system
It helps to have someone on call – someone who will laugh with you and keep things light. It’s kinda fun to pop into the girlfriend group text thread and say “yup…was only here 30 seconds before Aunt Susan asked if she could set me up with her yoga instructor’s son.”
2. Steer clear of social media
This is a great time for a digital detox! There’s nothing like doomscrolling right before you head into a family affair, especially if you’re feeling a bit sensitive to the fact that it’s prime time proposal season. Just put it down, darling. You can congratulate that random girl from college you never talk to, who just got engaged, next week.
3. Get into a mindset of gratitude
I know it’s cliché, but it’s true: gratitude is a great way to get into the spirit of the season. And Thanksgiving is all about reflecting on what we’ve been blessed with. Start making a list of all the beautiful things in your life – trust me, you’ll have a blast doing it and feel ready to go tell everyone about it!
Make the most of the present!
4. Redirect the conversation
When the questions and comments undoubtedly start rolling in, have some responses in your back pocket to reset the course of the conversation. Humor is always one of my favorite tactics:
“But if I get married, I can’t be a nun…and I’d make a great one, don’t you think?”
You can also flip the question. If someone asks you why you’re still single, something like “I guess I just haven’t found the right person yet, Aunt Karen. How did you know Uncle Joe was the one?”
Speaking of asking questions, girl, you can always head ‘em off at the pass! Before they get a chance to ask you anything, start asking about them! Everything from kids to career – get the whole scoop. Asking about anything and everything will give you all the updates on your loved ones and keep questions about your love life at bay. And people secretly love to talk about themselves, so this’ll work, trust me.
5. Talk about things you’re proud of and enjoy
Embrace those accomplishments, darling! So maybe you’re not in a relationship right now, but I would guess you’ve been busy this year. What all have you been up to? Share that with everyone. Be sure to fill your family in on everything you’ve been working on. And, I mean, after all of that, how would you even have room for a boyfriend anyway? 😉
6. Have a personal mantra
Just a little something you can whisper to yourself if you need a boost. One of my personal favorites is “I’m right where I’m supposed to be.”
7. Have an ally
Whether they’re there to crack jokes with you or maybe even to run interference, having someone in the room in your corner is always helpful! A sister, your favorite aunt, a cousin you adore…whoever it is, you can certainly call in a buddy for backup.
8. Bring a prop
A dish you’re proud of, a great centerpiece, a favorite bottle of wine…something like this can be a great conversation starter. Show up with a showstopper that can take center stage. Sure, you’re single, but you brought the pie that everyone was fighting for a slice of. Plus, it is the season of giving, after all!
9. Get busy
Keeping yourself occupied makes you a lot less susceptible to those awkward convos. And it’ll help you really get into the fun groove of the gathering! Offer to help cook or set the table – every little bit helps!
10. Establish an escape strategy
If you need to, make sure you have an exit plan. Set a particular time or point in the event to excuse yourself. It’s always good to set your departure before anything gets out of hand, if ya know what I mean.
11. BE PRESENT!
You’ll never get this Thanksgiving back! Regardless of your relationship status, you’ll never have this Thanksgiving again. Life happens and a lot can change in a year, so don’t miss out on the here and now! Enjoy this time because it may never be the same again. Embrace the chance to make memories and share with loved ones!
Unwind and celebrate afterwards!
12. Let it out!
Whether you spend some time journaling or calling a girlfriend, make sure you offload anything you don’t want to carry with you into the rest of the holiday season. Yup, vent! You can hold space for joy and grief, fun and frustration. Give these things the space they deserve.
13. Treat yourself
Having a treat just for you after holiday events can really help, and it gives you something to look forward to! A spa day, that purse you’ve been eyeing (which is probably on sale for Black Friday!), or just a cozy night in with a favorite movie…take some time and space, and reward yourself.
14. Remember you’re not alone
You’re certainly not the only single girl on the planet (even though I know it can feel that way during the holidays). Several other amazing ladies are in this same season – and sometimes we feel a bit bummed out about it, too. Know that you’re in good company, and if you’re interested in surrounding yourself with some fiercely fabulous single girlfriends, Single Darlings Co. just might be for you! Check it out HERE.
I hope this Single Girl’s Thanksgiving Survival Guide helps you feel confident, navigate any awkward conversations, and really root yourself in all of the beautiful moments of the season! And while Thanksgiving can be a tough time to be single, remember – the pumpkin pie tastes the same whether you’re in a relationship or not. So, smile and have seconds, darling 😉
