[MYALL99]

Just wondering if there are others on here single. How do you deal with being lonely
during these holidays. I find it tough at times, I try to stay close to family.But they
have their own lives and special someones.I also don't have any friends whatsoever
which makes it even harder.Any positive advise for me.

[nubianqueen]

Were you recently broken up from ur bf?? I ask because I know it's hard at first seeing all the happy couples, wishing you could also have the same. For me, I just try to keep myself occupied with family, watching a lot of movies and tv, as well as reading books and stuff like that. I'm also taking a couple of classes now that also keeps me busy. My family all have thier own lives too, but we try to at least spend a couple of days together. I have friends, but most of them are either married, in relationships, or too far away for me to just randomly hang out with on a random Friday night. :-( I do have my bad days sometimes too where I start feelin sorry for myself, but so far, these are things that work for me.

[Maximus]

What makes hard during these holidays is the feeling of not fitting to the norm.
Whilst everyone is busy doing things, buying, preparing for the loved ones, the single feels the sting harder.

When looked upon closely, we can:
1. Look to all we have got that keep us from misery and distress
2. Use our time to help others: there are several organizations that need extra hand to help the less fortunate especially in the winter, and around holidays (Xmas, New Year).

You will find that giving to others in these periods will bring great comfort.

[CHANDLERS WISH]

Virgile what a great idea

When we have no partner in our lives, this time of the year, as same for your birthday will always make you feel sad, miserable and wanting and lonley..

But, giving and seeing a smile for doing it, will make this very special for you, I like his idea very much...

CW

[Guest]

It's tough at times, but making yourself get out of your "cave" and go to where the poeple are, restaurants (you don't have to eat, just have something to drink), the local mall, sit in the center on a bench and just watch people, the food court in the local mall around lunch time...all kinds of people eat at the mall food court not just couples.

Volunteering is an EXCELLENT idea and got me through years of holidays when I was alone. I looked for groups where I could give my time and still be forced to be with other people.....local food shelf (on the distribution floor, not in the warehouse), soup kitchens, as a server or table cleaner, etc.

For me, I was always amazed at how good it made me feel when I shared a smile with a perfect stranger. If only for a moment, knowing that I did some little thing to brighten their day.

For me, there is no better feeling than giving of myself to another, especially those that are less fortunate than I ... and there are MILLIONS of them.

SMILE, it's contagious !!