By Lori Zaslow and Jennifer Zucher, founders of Project Soulmate
How should you approach the holidays when you’re dating someone new? Or what if you’re single and looking for love? Here are three questions that are frequently asked during this festive time of year.
1. What sort of present should I buy someone who I just started dating? The holidays are a time to do something special for the people you care about. Whether you’re in a three-year or three-month relationship, it’s important to show your significant other that you care.
Think about their hobbies. If your guy likes music, get him a new pair of headphones and an iTunes gift card. If your girl is a foodie, sign her up for a cooking class and buy a new cookbook that the two of you can use on your next date night. Or consider getting your partner something that you can do together, like a private yoga class or tickets to a show. This type of gift shows that you’re looking forward to the future and making new memories as a couple.
Related Link: A Present is Worth a Thousand Words: What a Gift Says About Your Relationship
Remember that your present doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, things like diamonds or a gold watch can be a turn off when dating someone new. Most people would rather receive something more personal and thoughtful.
2. Should we plan to spend New Year’s Eve together? New Year’s Eve is a romantic holiday that focuses on celebrating the New Year ahead, having fun with friends and, if you’re lucky, getting a kiss at midnight from your special someone. If you’re dating someone new, spending this night together is a good test to see how serious the other person is about the relationship.
It’s also one of the only holidays that isn’t typically spent with family, so it’s a great chance to enjoy the time you have together. Integrate your sweetheart into your friend circle, but make sure to give them some one-on-one time with you too.
3. Is it possible to find love on New Year’s Eve? New Year’s Eve may seem like it’s a holiday for couples to dance the night away, but it’s still possible to meet someone worth dating. Most celebrations consist of parties or dinners with friends, which is a prime opportunity to meet new people. Tell whoever is hosting the party or planning the evening to invite some single friends that you haven’t met yet. If possible, make sure that the party you go to includes people of similar ages and with similar interests. It is important that you feel comfortable so that you will be outgoing and talk to unfamiliar faces.
Related Link: 5 Resolutions That Can Help You Find “The One”
Be sure to avoid going home with a random person to make yourself feel better though. When you wake up the next day, you will feel even lonelier than the night before, and that isn’t a great way to start the New Year. Don’t overthink the night and feel like you have to do something over the top. Enjoy yourself and remember that it’s just another day.
Lori Zaslow and Jennifer Zucher are the founders of Project Soulmate, Manhattan’s premier matchmaking service for elite singles.
