Surviving (and Thriving) on Couple-Focused Holidays
As family law attorneys, we know that few things inspire post-divorce dread more than couple-centric events like New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, or even a long holiday weekend. If you’re mid-divorce or newly single, know you’re not alone. According to U.S. Census Bureau statistics, a whopping 126.9 million adults in the U.S. are single. Here are some ideas to help you and the millions of other single people survive, and even thrive, on couple-focused holidays.
Do Unto Others - There are organizations in need of volunteers all year long. You can flip the script on any holiday and turn it into a giving back holiday rather than a romantic one. While volunteering does help others, it can also give your own spirits a big boost. In a 2020 study, The Journal of Happiness reported that participants who had volunteered in the past year had better mental health and were more satisfied with their lives as a whole. What’s a better holiday gift than that??
Go Offline - It’s important to give yourself space for self care when you’re navigating life after a split, on holidays and otherwise. Scrolling through social media and seeing all of the (seemingly) happy couples may make it tougher to get through the holiday. Shut off your screens if you can, and spend some time on a favorite hobby, getting out in nature, or another activity that feeds your soul.
Celebrate All the Love in Your Life - Romantic love is only one kind of love. If you’re dreading certain events or holidays, make a list of all the people in your life who love and appreciate you. You can expand the definition of what these days mean, and know that the love of friends and family is meaningful and worth celebrating too.
Have a “Galentine’s Day” - The idea of Galentine’s Day took off after a TV episode of Parks & Recreation in which Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, threw a Galentine’s Day party for the ladies in her life. In fact, online searches for Galentine’s Day celebration ideas have sky-rocketed by 400% since that episode in 2015 (source: National Today). The spirit of the idea is enjoying the company of friends, any month of the year, whether it’s going out with a mixed-gender group of pals or enjoying some one-on-one time with your best friend.
Make it an Un-Holiday - One silver lining of a post-split holiday is you’re freed from the pressure of making it a big event. Enjoy the simplicity of treating it like any other day, maintaining your normal routine without the fuss and muss of a holiday. The truth? There are couples who are secretly envious that you get to make it a non-event!
At Artese Zandri, we help people navigate the process of divorce. If you or someone you know would like to discuss a divorce case, reach out to us at consultation@artesezandri.com for a complimentary consultation.