During the holiday season, take some time to do some things you’ve been wanting to do but haven’t gotten around to doing. Things such as taking a yoga class, going to a cooking class, going sports fishing, getting a massage etc. Even sitting down and reading a book can be an enjoyable and sometimes an awakening experience. Don’t measure your self-worth by whether you are in a romantic relationship or not. That’s not the only thing that is important. In fact, often other things are much more important.

If you happen to have a job where they have layoffs or are outsourcing and your position might be in jeopardy, that would almost certainly be more important than whether you are single or not. Your health is another critical element and relationships usually take a back seat to serious health problems or maybe not-so-serious health concerns also.

It is easy to forget that many relationships have problems or are on the verge of breaking up when you are single and longingly view others at a family gathering or other places holding hands. Today there is a high divorce rate in the U.S., and has been for very long time. To regard yourself as contingent upon being in a relationship is to put no value upon yourself and your accomplishments.

As touching as some romantic comedies are, when you are single, certain lines from movies such as Jerry Maguire, Sleepless in Seattle or You’ve Got Mail can really sting about single life. The line from the movie Jerry Maguire (“You Complete Me”) can be painful to think about if you are single and don’t especially want to be. Sometimes you may feel like half a person.

If you are not in a relationship, the holidays can bring up discomfort at social gatherings. At work parties and family holiday affairs people often bring their spouse or significant other so going alone can make you feel awkward. Don’t let this get to you as you’ve a right to be whoever you are – and if that happens to be single, well so be it. Remember you are not out to please others. It’s you and your life that’s important if you are single.

Going alone to a company Christmas party or a bash at your relatives can be a good time to speak with those you haven’t seen for a while and have some meaningful rather than empty, superficial conversations. Don’t see it as a time to be judged or sized up by others, but rather as a time to embrace deeper conversations with others.

Practicing the art of conversation will be a skill that you can carry into dating and future romantic relationships. This can be an excellent time for you to practice good listening abilities.

If you are single, you can make use of the holidays to maybe listen to audio tapes or CDs on personal development. There are lots of popular psychology tapes and CDs available on all kinds of subjects. These include topics such as learning to love yourself, building relationships, tips on making career changes, how to be less stressed on your job, improving relationship with your parents or friends, or many other things that could use improvement.

If you have some time alone in your house or apartment, listen to some self-improvement CDs. You can pick up tips that you can use and you’ll feel that your time was well spent because it strengthened you. They could also gave you a fresh new outlook on certain things.

If you do happen to be interested is starting a new relationship don’t automatically stop because it’s the holiday season. You never know when or where you’ll meet that special mate. If nothing else keep a low key but don’t give up.