Single Over the Holidays

Ok, Valentines Day is the worst. Being single on V Day is like being lactose intolerant at the Häagen Dazs factory. But, the month leading up to Christmas is without a doubt, the second worst time to be single.

Let's start with the holiday parties. Showing up at an 'ugly sweater party' without a date is as awkward as it gets. Especially, if you only know the host. If you go all out and create your own holiday sweater, people think you're a freak. They know your significant other didn't make it… If you go out and buy a store sweater, you still smell of desperation. Don't wear one and you like Debbie Downer. It's a lose, lose, lose scenario.

Then there are the family functions, where every relative in the room pulls you aside to grill you about why you are still single. "Have you tried online dating," your grandmother asks. "I hear there are nice young women on there who are dying to find a man."

"I bet Grams, but have you ever tried to write an online profile."

Even the office social can be an awkward affair, especially when your boss notices you came alone.

Being single is like the death mark over the holidays.

But there is a silver lining: one less person to shop for. As your friends madly look for that one gift that will remove them from their wives’/girlfriends’ naughty list, you can relax and enjoy another cold beverage. Your pocketbook remains unfazed and your holiday stress level is even flat line. Hakuna matata. First and last Lion King reference; I promise.

And, if you're a member of Events and Adventures, the month of December is full of fun single's activities to make you appreciate your precious freedom. From night tubing, to swing dancing, to the legendary New Year's Bash, Events and Adventures promise 31 days of awkward-free socializing.

Skip the couples’ functions and come join the fun.

And if Grandma grills you again, just tell her you found someone. She couldn’t make the party because she’s volunteering at the Vancouver Food Bank. Tis the season for little ‘white’ lies.