New Year's Eve: Not Just Another Date

As one year ends, it's time to bring in the next on a happy note. Why complicate things? Jodi365.com offers some simple tips to navigate what could be an awkward New Year's Eve date.

December. It's the end of the year; it's time to recap, recount, and plan the brand new year ahead. Of course, celebrations come with the territory. While for the singletons it means plenty of opportunities to meet new people, it also is a time at which, amidst all the cheer, you tend to feel lonely. No fireplace can really replace the warmth of snuggling up to someone special. No matter how cheerful you are, nothing can replace the feeling you get when you're dancing with that someone special as you count down to a new year.

If you're in your mid-20s and have friends who are in relationships, things could go two ways – the fun way or the not-so-fun way. It's nice to have your friends introduce you to their other single friends. It's fun to meet and date new people, but I often wonder if spending New Year's Eve together with someone you've only just met is too much pressure. I mean, if it is 'the one', awesome! But do we really want to ring in a brand new year with someone we know isn't special? And the worst situation is when the two people on a New Year's Eve date aren't looking for the same thing! (Remember, this is a time of year when many people are just looking to hook up for casual flings.)

But as most matters of the heart go, you can't really tell until you've put yourself out there. My advice?

• Be very frank and be extremely clear about what you're looking for. If you want something casual, it would be unfair to lead someone to believe there could be something long-term, and if you're looking to get a serious relationship you need to protect yourself in case your date is someone in a casual state of mind.

• Don't give in to desperation. If being alone on New Year's Eve is a thought you can't bear, round up your single friends for a special party. It is much better than caving in to desperation to be with anyone, because—let's face it—you don't want to usher in a new year with some random person you wouldn't ever want to call again.

• If you are thinking of asking someone out, try and squeeze in a date before New Year's Eve. That way you'd know if the connection is hot or not. New Year's Eve is just too much pressure, and if the connection is lukewarm there is very little scope to escape and things can get awkward. Nobody should start the New Year on an awkward note.

• Don't expect too much, be realistic. Sure, when the ball dropped, Harry told Sally he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her; Bridget Jones got a brand new diary from Darcy during Christmas and all that. But those are films. Be realistic about what you want from your date.

• And lastly, HAVE FUN!

Happy New Year!