Countdown to Midnight: Single Life on New Year's

The holidays are all about family and love, so it's no wonder millions of single Americans feel detached during this time of year. Halloween and Thanksgiving definitely do not compete with the bonanza that is New Year's Eve. Something about New Year's hits you hard, especially if you're left alone and dateless.

All around the world, people celebrate this traditional night dedicated to drinking, dancing, and smooching — preferably with a loved one. It all sounds rather mushy, but people who aren't paired up shouldn't be discouraged. Although it can feel a bit lonely to spend the night with friends and relatives, it may be your best bet.


You know how you always plan something extravagant on special occasions, and something always seems to go awry? Well, it might be wise to keep this in mind when planning what you'll do on the most over-the-top night of the year. Think about it; otherwise, you may end up spending way too much money at a place that doesn't cost nearly as much on any other night.

The best news is that the options for single folks are vast. Vegas is a great New Year's option — that is, if you know a doorman or go with a group of single girls. Otherwise, you might want to reconsider. A lot of the clubs there charge a lot more (think in the hundreds!) for admission, so unless all your female friends are ready to mingle and boyfriend-less, this may be a costly and time-consuming effort. Guys usually have to stand in endless lines over there no matter what night it is, let alone on New Year's.

A lot of people feel that it means they're getting old if they don't go out and party it up on New Year's, but that's not necessarily true. Being single doesn't give you an excuse to feel sorry for and depressed about yourself. Many people are in the same boat, and although you have a right to be a little down, that isn't a reason to become a hermit on the night.

The Times Square event in New York City seems like it would be a bit of a hassle to attend, but it's also amazing, I'm sure. Everyone should experience it at least once, right? True, you have access to few to no restrooms and you need to make your way through crowds of people who are as frustrated as you are, but why not live a little? If you're on the East Coast and can make the trek into the city, get a crew of your good friends together and head to the Big Apple's ball-drop celebration.

Los Angeles is the prime destination for big-city celebrations that cater to singletons. The only problem with this is that you need to get a pretty sizable crew together. Clubbing is always a good choice in places like Hollywood and the city's downtown area. Famed clubs like Les Deux and The Highlands usually plan big celebrations and sometimes offer celebrity performances and appearances.

Overall, New Year's is a slight bummer when you aren't part of a couple, but no one should spend the evening down in the dumps. If you'd rather not go out, take the pressure off and pursue a night of comfort with good friends. Throw a small party and invite your closest pals. They can bring their significant others or hit the party solo, which will put less pressure on dateless friends who arrive alone. Other benefits to staying in with loved ones: you will avoid all the crazy drunk drivers on the road; you will spend less; and you won't be weighed down by the obligation to find someone for the night.

Take the above tips as you will, but here's one you should follow for certain: have fun no matter what! Stop fretting over your outfit and date, and focus more on desserts and dancing...after all, a new year is about to begin, and with it will come new opportunities to find next year's New Year's date!