Topic: How Do You Handle The Emptiness?
no photo
Sun 11/30/08 11:23 AM
what's depressing is people acting like herded cattle and sheep, going through the motions.

i aspire that every day can be lived thoughtfully.

mscherbear's photo
Sun 11/30/08 11:24 AM
I found this article which might help a little.

DATING TIPS
Dating 101: The Joys of Singlehood in the Holiday Season

By Dating expert Lisa Steadman Updated: Oct 28, 2008
Dating expert Lisa Steadman

As the saying goes, 'tis the season to be jolly. But for some, being single during the holidays can be a real drag. Whether it's the idea of spending yet another Christmas without a significant other, being the only single person at all those family gatherings, or just feeling like another year has flown by without meeting that special someone, being single during the holidays can be overwhelming. But never fear, my fabulous friends. The key to having a fun and festive holiday season actually has nothing to do with having a significant other or not. In fact,
“the secret to the celebratory season lies in giving thanks for exactly where you are in life.” And for the savvy single, that means celebrating the many joys of being single, especially during the holidays.

Joy #1: No In-Laws

Finding love is hard enough. Finding in-laws you love is even harder. So this season, give thanks that there are no in-laws in your life right now. And that's a very good thing! No quarrels over whose house you're spending the holidays at. No guilt trips about when the wedding, baby, and/or big promotion will happen. And as much as your own family may drive you nuts, spend a little extra time appreciating your quirky relatives this holiday season. Next year, you may be dealing with your new significant other's family.

Joy #2: No Expensive Gifts to Buy

With no significant other to shop for this holiday season, your wallet may be feeling a little fat (even in these alleged cash-strapped times). You can lighten the load in a myriad of ways. From padding your savings account to splurging on the single friends in your life to doing something charitable for others in need, your hard-earned dollars will find their rightful home soon enough. And in the meantime, give thanks for being single and all the fabulous freedom it affords you this holiday season!

Joy #3: The Mystery of Mistletoe

Sure, it would be nice to have someone special to kiss under the mistletoe at every holiday party this season, but Joy #3 of being single is that you never know who you'll meet under the mistletoe! You could kiss a couple cuties during the holidays this year. That's the fun of being single. Knowing that the possibilities are endless, and that your next great kisser may just around the corner, or under the mistletoe. So why not put on your best party dress (or suit) and flirt a little this holiday season?

Joy #4: The Freedom to Flirt

And speaking of flirting, one of the best things about being single is that you have the freedom to flirt 24-7. Sure, when you're coupled up you can still engage in the occasional flirt fest. But while you find yourself free of a romantic entanglement at this time of year, live it up!
“Strike up a conversation with every cutie you meet this holiday season.” Whether they smile, respond, and/or ask for your number is irrelevant. The point is to practice, practice, practice your flirting skills. You, my footloose and fancy free friend, have a free pass to flirt your booty off during the holidays. Go for it!

Joy #5: Rejoice. Renew. Reflect.

The holidays are the perfect time to take stock of your dating life as it is and to make any changes for the coming year. And the beauty of being single is that all of the choices are up to you so you get to be incredibly selfish! Really spend some time this holiday season thinking about what you want for your fabulous life. Looking to make a career change? Make it happen! Want to go back to school? Go for it! Serious about finding the love of your life? Enlist the help of friends, matchmakers, and dating experts and make 2009 the best year possible. You deserve it!
So there you have it -- the joys of being single during the holidays. May you learn it, live it, love it. Happy holidays!

no photo
Sun 11/30/08 11:24 AM


Your family can't come to you. My parents are coming to my place for Christmas. I have no way to travel to them
My mother has had MS for a quite sometime now. It went into remition, but over the past 6 moths it is taking a turn for the worst, sadly they do not have full knowledge of what I am going though, so it is pretty much at a stale mate. Neither one of us can travel.


Yeah, your situation begs for more of the loneliness and isolation stuff. I'm so sorry, Whisper. At least I have family around and everyone is in decent health shape. I do hope you can find your way around it all in spite of your situation and focus on the meaning of the season. I wish I could fix it all for you!!! :heart: brokenheart

no photo
Sun 11/30/08 11:25 AM

i have not done holidays for almost 20 years



holidays have become a farce


they are commercial enterprises with no meaning

other than economic and what you gonna get me


no thx i can do with out it thank you very much


if i do not get you stuff through out the year

then

why should i get you something because ""they"" say i should

and the same with seeing you

if it takes a holiday for an invite or for a visit (unless yer so far away that that is only when there is enough time) then you might as well stay home or keep your invite


I feel this way too. If I see something that reminds me of a freind I get it & give it to them anytime. They often ask "what's this for? & I reply "for you" I don't need a reason.

When I die I want my obituary to say "no flowers please, you are too late with them"

whispertoascream's photo
Sun 11/30/08 11:26 AM

i have not done holidays for almost 20 years



holidays have become a farce


they are commercial enterprises with no meaning

other than economic and what you gonna get me


no thx i can do with out it thank you very much


if i do not get you stuff through out the year

then

why should i get you something because ""they"" say i should

and the same with seeing you

if it takes a holiday for an invite or for a visit (unless yer so far away that that is only when there is enough time) then you might as well stay home or keep your invite
If you make it about material possesions, then sure that is what it is going to be all about. But for me it is about the love, and the closness, that each one of your family and friends brings.

I remember sitting around the real Christmas tree at my grandparents, stringing popcorn with my cousins, smelling the turkey cooking in the wood stove, carols blarring over the radio, santa would come and visit us and deliver us one present to open on Christmas eve, it would ALWAYS be a new pair of jammies, but the love and happiness that came with coming together as a family is something I will NEVER forget.

FearandLoathing's photo
Sun 11/30/08 11:26 AM

With the holiday season fast approching, and so many of us being a lone for it, how do you handle the depression that this season brings?

I am not strong enough health wise to travel this year, it has been a couple of years since I have been with family. It is a lonely time of the year for so many I know. It is just feels like the loneliness is coming early this year.

So how do you handle it?


I don't get lonely, that and there are people that never even knew their family...and some that are far worse off health wise. Season for giving, give more people a "hi" and the time of day...sometimes that is all people need.flowerforyou

adj4u's photo
Sun 11/30/08 11:29 AM


i have not done holidays for almost 20 years



holidays have become a farce


they are commercial enterprises with no meaning

other than economic and what you gonna get me


no thx i can do with out it thank you very much


if i do not get you stuff through out the year

then

why should i get you something because ""they"" say i should

and the same with seeing you

if it takes a holiday for an invite or for a visit (unless yer so far away that that is only when there is enough time) then you might as well stay home or keep your invite
If you make it about material possesions, then sure that is what it is going to be all about. But for me it is about the love, and the closness, that each one of your family and friends brings.

I remember sitting around the real Christmas tree at my grandparents, stringing popcorn with my cousins, smelling the turkey cooking in the wood stove, carols blarring over the radio, santa would come and visit us and deliver us one present to open on Christmas eve, it would ALWAYS be a new pair of jammies, but the love and happiness that came with coming together as a family is something I will NEVER forget.



those were the day my friend

flowerforyou flowerforyou flowerforyou

alexiateigra's photo
Sun 11/30/08 11:38 AM
flowerforyou flowerforyou flowerforyou flowerforyou flowerforyou flowerforyou flowerforyou flowerforyou flowerforyou flowerforyou


I am fortunate. I like my own company, but I too have felt that loniness creep into my life at one time.

My advice to all of those that are feeling lonely this holiday season, embrace it. It is part of you. Indulge in sappy movies, music, a little bit of ice cream or frozen yogart. Have a good cry, then begin a new the next day.

The next day follow these steps:
1. Take a deep breath.
2. Smile.
3. Today is a new day.

Good Luck & Take Care.

no photo
Sun 11/30/08 11:50 AM
Gives me a reason to spark up conversations with random men hotties! bigsmile

<<<<<<ran after a guy in Sears the other day just to give him a piece of paper he dropped and wish him a Merry Christmas! :banana:

Sieze the opportunities!!! laugh

twofotey's photo
Sun 11/30/08 12:01 PM
:heart: :heart: Do you have neighbors? Church family? get to know them and love them. My family is spread around the world or gone, but we is all family!!:heart: love unconditionaly serve humanity our family is the biggest family in the universe! HAPPY HOLIDAYS.

Jess642's photo
Sun 11/30/08 12:11 PM
huh I don't get depressed ...so no.... I dunno... I don't get lonelyy either so...I dunno...

I love this time of year, it's so warm, and yummy, and there is always someone to lend a hand to....

I am only as alone as I think I am..

TxsGal3333's photo
Sun 11/30/08 12:11 PM
One thing that some can do at this time of the year is join single groups that are in the area. That create things for the group to do like go to dinner. movies, museums,go out for Happy Hour, play games together or just socialize at someones house. Not only do you actually get to meet new people this way that you would have not met, but you also cure the loneliness as well.

The groups are out there to join I have actually found a site that is world wide and went to a few meets so far and they have been very pleasant as well. Going on a Christmas Bus Tour actually right before Christmas to see all the Christmas lights on one of the group nights they have set up.

It is a way to meet new people face to face and within your age range. Actually a great ideabigsmile

mscherbear's photo
Sun 11/30/08 12:13 PM

One thing that some can do at this time of the year is join single groups that are in the area. That create things for the group to do like go to dinner. movies, museums,go out for Happy Hour, play games together or just socialize at someones house. Not only do you actually get to meet new people this way that you would have not met, but you also cure the loneliness as well.

The groups are out there to join I have actually found a site that is world wide and went to a few meets so far and they have been very pleasant as well. Going on a Christmas Bus Tour actually right before Christmas to see all the Christmas lights on one of the group nights they have set up.

It is a way to meet new people face to face and within your age range. Actually a great ideabigsmile


Sounds much like the one I belong to and it is a GREAT way to meet people while doing fun things. If anyone wants this info, email me flowerforyou

galendgirl's photo
Sun 11/30/08 12:14 PM

With the holiday season fast approching, and so many of us being a lone for it, how do you handle the depression that this season brings?

I am not strong enough health wise to travel this year, it has been a couple of years since I have been with family. It is a lonely time of the year for so many I know. It is just feels like the loneliness is coming early this year.

So how do you handle it?


Try volunteering someplace...maybe even just doing some sort of "phone a shut-in" thing...or visit a nursing home if your health will handle it.

no photo
Sun 11/30/08 12:16 PM

flowerforyou flowerforyou flowerforyou flowerforyou flowerforyou flowerforyou flowerforyou flowerforyou flowerforyou flowerforyou


I am fortunate. I like my own company, but I too have felt that loniness creep into my life at one time.

My advice to all of those that are feeling lonely this holiday season, embrace it. It is part of you. Indulge in sappy movies, music, a little bit of ice cream or frozen yogart. Have a good cry, then begin a new the next day.

The next day follow these steps:
1. Take a deep breath.
2. Smile.
3. Today is a new day.

Good Luck & Take Care.


Many of us are comfortable in our own skin and who we are as people, really has nothing to do with loneliness.

galendgirl's photo
Sun 11/30/08 12:16 PM
...and ya KNOW we'll all be here for ya Whisper!

MirrorMirror's photo
Sun 11/30/08 12:17 PM

With the holiday season fast approching, and so many of us being a lone for it, how do you handle the depression that this season brings?

I am not strong enough health wise to travel this year, it has been a couple of years since I have been with family. It is a lonely time of the year for so many I know. It is just feels like the loneliness is coming early this year.

So how do you handle it?
flowerforyou Its just another day to me.flowerforyou

TxsGal3333's photo
Sun 11/30/08 12:21 PM


One thing that some can do at this time of the year is join single groups that are in the area. That create things for the group to do like go to dinner. movies, museums,go out for Happy Hour, play games together or just socialize at someones house. Not only do you actually get to meet new people this way that you would have not met, but you also cure the loneliness as well.

The groups are out there to join I have actually found a site that is world wide and went to a few meets so far and they have been very pleasant as well. Going on a Christmas Bus Tour actually right before Christmas to see all the Christmas lights on one of the group nights they have set up.

It is a way to meet new people face to face and within your age range. Actually a great ideabigsmile


Sounds much like the one I belong to and it is a GREAT way to meet people while doing fun things. If anyone wants this info, email me flowerforyou


Your welcome to e-mail me as well for the name of the site and it is a free site as well. To me it is well worth the effort in taking like I said have been to two meets as of so far and the groups that I joined are from 35 and up. Have went to a campfire party at one of the members house everyone brings what they want to drink at times others brings bottles of wine to share and but everyone brings a dish or something so there is plenty to eat as well. On the campfire meet one guy brought his guitar and played and everyone sang around the fire to the old songs we grew up with. Everyone is super friendly and you don't feel pressured this way if you happen to meet someone then you do if not you gain a whole bunch of friends in the long run.bigsmile At the moment I'm actually signed up for 4 different groups you can sign up for as many as you want to.

whispertoascream's photo
Sun 11/30/08 12:29 PM

One thing that some can do at this time of the year is join single groups that are in the area. That create things for the group to do like go to dinner. movies, museums,go out for Happy Hour, play games together or just socialize at someones house. Not only do you actually get to meet new people this way that you would have not met, but you also cure the loneliness as well.

The groups are out there to join I have actually found a site that is world wide and went to a few meets so far and they have been very pleasant as well. Going on a Christmas Bus Tour actually right before Christmas to see all the Christmas lights on one of the group nights they have set up.

It is a way to meet new people face to face and within your age range. Actually a great ideabigsmile


That sounds like fun. I would never have thought there were places like that I am going to have to look into it. Thank you.

no photo
Sun 11/30/08 01:24 PM

With the holiday season fast approching, and so many of us being a lone for it, how do you handle the depression that this season brings?

I am not strong enough health wise to travel this year, it has been a couple of years since I have been with family. It is a lonely time of the year for so many I know. It is just feels like the loneliness is coming early this year.

So how do you handle it?


I'm never depressed at holidays.