Reasons Why Dating During the Holidays is a Bad Idea

Recently I have been using online dating sites again and I've come to realize something - dating during the holidays is a bad idea! If possible, try to wait to find that new love interest after the holidays end. I know, you are probably wishing you had someone to corner under the mistletoe, but you are probably better off being single during the holiday season.

Don't get me wrong, I am not talking about those of you that are already in a relationship. In no way do I mean you should dump the person you've been dating for 6 months just because the holiday season is rolling around. I am just saying if you've been single for a while, you are probably going to be a lot happier if you wait to join some online dating sites AFTER January 1st. If you don't believe me, let me give you some valid reasons why dating during the holidays is a stinky situation.

Unless you are living in a lovely place with a warm climate (and oh, I am so jealous), first dates in freezing weather is unpleasant.

First of all, I can't wear any cute outfits. Adorable skirts, sandals, and low-cut blouses just are not working out in this weather. If you can look sexy in a thick, bulky coat with a scarf wrapped around you, more power to you. For me, it is not a good look.

Second, there is no such thing as a romantic walk along the beach or a really nice picnic in the park. Instead, it is two people freezing and attempting to run into restaurants as fast as humanly possible. This often forces two people to get into a car together even if they've just met because no one wants to walk anywhere. That is not the safest idea either.

During the holidays, there are so many expenses. You've got to buy gifts, decorations, extra food for holiday meals, and so on. The last thing you need is to worry about the extra expenses of paying for dining out or for movies. Even if you are a woman, the man usually expects you to start chipping in after a couple of dates. Furthermore, even if you are lucky enough to find a man that insists on paying for everything, unless he is rich, he is going to run out of money because of buying gifts for everyone in his life. It is just not a good time!

While we are on the subject of gifts, this can be a very touchy topic when first dating someone. To gift or not to gift? That is the question! After the first few dates, I would not think a gift would be expected for Christmas. However, what about after 5 dates? What about after 3 weeks of dating? When do you give a gift and when don't you? What if the person you are dating gives you a gift at the last minute, yet you have nothing to give in return? Do you discuss it with the person you are dating? That is probably your best bet, but wow, awkward!

The rule I am going to go with (and I am totally just making this up right now) is if you've changed your Facebook relationship status to "in a relationship," then yes, you buy each other gifts. Wow, do I sound like a kid in middle school right now? Sure. But that is a basic rule that can probably work in this modern age. Feel free to apply it to your own life in the future. You're welcome.

During the holiday season, everyone is out more and eating at restaurants even more. Entire families are out shopping until they drop and when they do drop, they are dropping into all the nice restaurants. It is like an overspending extravaganza.

This might be perfect for restaurants who need business, but it is not so great for a first date. You and your date are trying to have a romantic dinner, and the bratty kid at the next table is throwing spaghetti at your head because she's been told she can't have any toys all day since Santa is bringing them. She is not in good mood and, now, neither are you. Bad first date!

Not only is everyone broke from spending too much money, there is also a lack of extra time. People have parties, dinners, potlucks, shopping outings, and gift exchanges to attend. If you are dating someone you really like, you might be tempted to take this person along to a family event since time is so limited. Stop! Don't do that! It sends the wrong signal that you are having a serious relationship when you are actually just trying to be a master at time management.

So before you consider dating someone during the holiday season, please consider all of these reasons why it is a bad idea. I am not saying not to do it; I just feel like someone should warn you. I wish someone had bothered to warn me!