Casually dating during the holidays can be tricky. You like the person you’re dating a lot but it’s still really early in your relationship for a lot of the things people expect to be happening at Christmas. Navigating family gatherings, buying presents and office parties can seem like a minefield, but I’m here to help! Here are the Dos and Don’ts of Holiday Dating.
Don’t invite someone new to your family dinner
I’m sure your family is lovely but let’s be honest, when they all get together they can be a bit much. Bringing a new partner to Christmas dinner will probably be awkward for the two of you, not to mention they might feel obligated to come if you ask them and then miss out on their own family traditions. Plus if you don’t end up staying together you’ll get tons of questions from your whole extended family.
Do invite them to a more causal get together
If your family is cool and you do want to introduce them to your new bae than opt for a more casual activity like Boxing Day lunch with just your immediate family or a board game night. Everyone can have fun and get to know each other without the stress of a big formal dinner.
Don’t wear an ugly Christmas sweater unless it’s a themed event
Unless someone specially told you to wear an ugly to an event then don’t wear one, it’ll look tacky but not in a cute way. There isn’t really a place for ugly sweaters when it comes to holiday dating.
Do wear Christmas colours on a festive date
Wearing a crimson blouse or emerald green dress will look killer on date night and will set you apart from everyone else wearing boring black. Doing a bold red or plum lip will also look super chic, the holidays are not a time for subtlety.
Don’t buy a huge present for a new bae
Getting an elaborate gift for someone you recently started seeing isn’t a great idea, it can make them feel really uncomfortable if they didn’t get you anything.
Do get them something small to show you’re thinking about them
Going for a small gift is a great option to let them know you’re thinking about them without being over zealous. You can go with an inside joke, a book about something you know they’re interested in or a nice bottle of wine, whatever you go with they’re sure to like it because you gave it to them.
Do give them space during the holidays
The Holiday season is really busy for everyone. Give your new partner time to enjoy with their family and friends and you should be doing the same.
Don’t freak out if they’re being a little distant
We could all do with checking our phones a little less, if only so that our family members can stop complaining about it. So if bae isn’t responding to all the cute animal videos you’re sending then don’t freak out, once Christmas is over you’ll go back to texting non-stop.
Don’t read too much into it if they ask/ don’t ask you to their office party
All offices are different, some it may be expected that everyone brings a guest and others may not allow guests at all so don’t worry if you do or don’t get asked to the party, chances are the decision has nothing to do with you.
Do be a good guest
If you do go to their office party be a good guest, don’t be too reliant on them to entertain you and don’t drink too much.
If you follow these dos and don’ts for Holiday Dating you’re bound to have a wonderful season full of fun and laughter with your main squeeze, friends and family! Looking for dating and relationship advice? Book a date coaching session today!
