What Do The Lonely Do?

At Christmas, the lonely get invited to holiday gatherings and it’s always a debate whether to go or not. For one, you’ll get surrounded by couples and families which will remind you of what you don’t have.

Or worst, what you did.

I don’t have any regrets about divorce, but holidays have a funny way of playing tricks on you. It brings in the family oriented way of thinking, the traditions, and cognitive dissonance. Your mind only brings up the happiness and joy you once felt and fails to bring up the sadness and pain that accompanied it.

This year, I got invited to a friend’s holiday gathering. Yep, there were the couples and families, which I loved to see, but I was a tad bit filled with envy and awkwardness. But once I settled in, I started to really focus on my friend and her husband (not in a creepy way, just observing…lol).

They were flirty and fun. They were great hosts and were attentive to everyone. They tag teamed their two kids. And even with all the people in the room, they consistently acknowledged each other. It could be a look, a touch, a quick kiss, or a laugh. From the outside looking in, it was a house full of people, but still a family in their own bubble at the same time.

I needed to see that. I needed to see that this idea of family isn’t just a myth. It’s not just pretty pictures on social media or Christmas movies. I grew up with divorced parents and I followed in their footsteps as much as I tried to avoid it. I’ve only known separation, dysfunction, and brokenness. I have never truly observed cooperation and consideration within a two-parent home.

But it exists!

I am grateful that I have expanded my village to see healthy relationships. The previous ones I have been in and seen are not the only ones I have to experience.

So what do the lonely do at Christmas? They keep going to the gatherings to see the positivity that they want to experience. They understand that loneliness is only temporary. They realize that their hopes and dreams are obtainable. And they look forward to the love that is coming towards them.

Happy Holidays❤️