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Home– and single– for the holidays

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By Ann Varner

Oh, the holidays. Most people look forward to the break from school, the cheerfulness, the food, and spending time with loved ones– I know I certainly am.

Yet as a chronically single woman at 24, an age where most of my friends are married or in a serious relationship, there is always the inevitable question of “Are you dating anyone, Ann?” This is where I respond like Snape from Harry Potter, saying “ahhhbbvvvioouusslllyyy” in the most obnoxious, sarcastic voice possible because I am so tired of hearing that question.

Then, they ask, “Well, are you trying to date and put yourself out there?”

I reply with a “No, I don’t feel like it,” and then I am told my 20’s are the “prime time” to find someone, because it only goes downhill from here.

The advertisements everywhere you look feature a happy family or couple snuggled up in winter gear reminding you of your singledom. On Facebook and Instagram, I’m sure that at least ten couples will get engaged, as they have been steadily doing for the past few years. Your cousins will bring their significant others to family dinners as you talk about your pet dog (and pig in my case) and when you bring up your pet, your family will lose interest, because it’s not a person you’re dating who they can go stalk on Facebook.

Being single during the holidays is extraordinarily annoying, but not because I feel lonely or wish I was dating someone. Rather, it’s annoying to be constantly shamed and have people make you feel like there’s something wrong with you for not caring about dating. Listen ladies and gents, there is NOTHING WRONG WITH YOU for being single! Don’t let the societal pressures of not having a significant other for the next three months get you down. Own your singleness. Be proud. I know I sure am.