Winter is quickly approaching, and you know what that means. Soon your Instagram and Facebook feeds will be filled with cute couple pictures of ice skating dates and candid photos in front of Christmas trees that are so cute they make you want to puke.
If you're single this winter, don't worry. By the time summer comes along, most of these couples will probably be breaking up. But until then, here's a guide for surviving the winter months single.
Step 1: Buy a really cozy blanket
You're probably going to be spending a lot of time on your couch or in bed binge watching Netflix, so you're going to want a super cozy blanket to cuddle up with to keep you warm.
Step 2: Pull out your comfy clothes
You don't have a significant other to impress, so it's time to pull out the sweatpants and over-sized shirts hiding in the back of your closet. This is the time to embrace your comfort.
Step 3: Buy a pregnancy pillow
Hear me out on this one. You know those popular boyfriend pillows that are supposed to give you all of the comfort of cuddling with another person? A pregnancy pillow is a step above that.
Just imagine all of that cuddling happiness!
Step 4: Take yourself on a date
Before you love anyone, you have to love yourself. It's time to take yourself out. You deserve it. Go to your favorite restaurant and order that expensive dessert you've always wanted. Take yourself on a coffee date and read the book that's been sitting on your bookshelf for months. Spending time alone is the best way to get to know yourself and grow as an individual.
Step 5: Find a new show on Netflix and watch it from start to finish
When you watch a show on Netflix, it's kind of like the characters are your friends, and then you forget about your loneliness. Find a new show like "Stranger Things" or "Orange is the New Black" to get into and it'll really help pass the time.
Step 6: Find a new hobby
Whether it be learning an instrument, painting, online shopping, Pinteresting, or obsessively following an attractive musician, finding a hobby you're really into is a great way to pass time. It's also another great way to learn about your interests and grow as a person.
Step 7: Spend time with your friends
We all know it happens. Eventually, you get in a relationship and suddenly you start spending less time with your friends, so while you're single this winter you can make time to really cherish your friendships. Take your group of friends out to do all the things you would normally do with a significant other and take even cuter photos. Go view Christmas lights in neighborhoods and make snowman in your yards. Take the time to appreciate the people who have always been there for you.
Step 8: Make summer plans
While you're sitting around on your computer passing time, look into making plans for the summer! You can plan a cool trip or maybe even apply for an internship in a new place. Use your free time to be productive and give yourself something to look forward to.
Step 9: Treat yo' self
Being single isn't the worst thing in the world, in fact, it's sort of the greatest. You have time to develop independently and work on yourself as a person. This is a time to do all of the things you wouldn't/didn't take the time to do while in a relationship. Go get a hair cut, dye your hair, get a piercing, get a tattoo, change your wardrobe, have a personal spa day. Do something just for you and no one else.
It may seem lonely to not have a significant other for the winter months, but I promise, you can get through it. And in the end, you'll probably be better off for it.
