Dating Tips For The Holiday Season

Simple reminders to keep in mind while you date over the holidays

The holiday season can be an exciting and overwhelming time. And if you’re dating, sometimes it can get a little confusing knowing what you should or shouldn’t do. If you are worried you might take a misstep while dating during the holidays, here are a few guidelines to support your holiday dating:

1. Don’t feel pressured to include them in your family plans. Inviting a date to meet your family is something you should do when you’re ready for it, not because the holidays create an added layer of pressure. Invite them in you are ready to take the next step and have been wanting to introduce them to your family for a while.
2. Don’t go overboard on gifts. Have you ever heard of the term love-bombing? It’s an attempt to influence a person by going overboard with attention, affection, and gifts. Make sure you and the individual you’re dating establish if gifts are appropriate. It’s always nice to start with something small and fun that lets them know you’ve been listening to what they like.
3. Don’t settle for someone because it’s the holidays. While it’s tempting to have someone to cuddle up with by the fire. Cuddling should not take priority over compatibility, honesty, and trust. Make sure you are dating intentionally, not for convenience.
4. Take it easy on the alcohol. While the rum and egg nog might be flowing, or the midnight champagne may make an appearance, take it easy on the booze. According to a 2014 study by Plenty of Fish, 48.8 percent of singles reported consuming two to three drinks on a first date. If you don’t drink, you might wonder when a good time to bring this up is. The best time to tell someone you’re dating that you don’t drink is as soon as the conversation about alcohol comes up naturally.
5. Don’t stop dating. If you are genuine in your search for love, the holidays can be a great time to date. Fun events, local things happening in your town, and opportunities to meet people who want to embrace the holiday spirit. Make sure you don’t put too much pressure on finding someone by the end of the year. This kind of pressure can increase your dating anxiety, so move slowly, enjoy the process, and don’t get caught up in the timing of meeting someone.

Happy Holiday Dating!

Kimberly Hill is a leading Dating & Relationship Coach For Men, and Host of The Self-Confidence Project Podcast. For more information, go to www.kimberlyninahill.com.

Curious to learn more? Download a free copy of The Dating Handbook for Men.