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Usually I am a fairly happy single pringle but I really struggle at Christmas. I will only be opening 1 present - which I am ok with as its not whats important but what gets me is I have to watch everyone else opening presents from their husbands and wives and children which takes hours. I am happy to join in but everyone else looks so uncomfortable knowing I have nothing to open that I eventually Do drinks or dinner etc. Last year I helped the dog open his presents in lieu of a significant other which although well meaning was humiliating. Any advice how to lessen the awkwardness? Thank you 😊

OneeyedRaven
over a year ago
What do you think of this?+20 points
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MrsCraig

I personally don't think you have anything to feel awkward about. Nothing wrong with being single and if it is a case that they feel uncomfortable because you don't have as many presents to open as them then they should buy you an extra present or two! Tell them there is nothing to feel awkward about or maybe everyone opens presents at the same time so it doesn't take as long? Or make a rule everyone is allowed to open one present each and then the rest are opened at their own homes later?

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OneeyedRaven

ha ha I did suggest this but was told im being selfish maybe they have a small point, the issue is it literally takes them days they get so much- theyre very lucky and dont resent it. Think I am going to go late morning I love being there to see my niece wake up but think I will let them have time together and suggest they open lots of presents! Thank you xx

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MrsCraig

OneeyedRaven sounds like a good plan. I don't think it is selfish, you are just asking them to be mindful of your feelings, nothing wrong with that. Hopefully you will have a good day no matter what!

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LenoirLenoir

Be single and proud. You shouldn’t feel uncomfortable, unless you have issues with it. have You not got a single friend that could join in with your Christmas?

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OneeyedRaven

nope Sadly its just me left.....maybe I need to invest in some better deodorant 😆 one for the christmas list thank you xx

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SarahHorsfield

I feel the same. Sometimes when I met all lovey dovey couples

Then I get home get cosy and have a full bed to myself 🤣😊

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ShellyAnn

Nothing wrong with being single. I have been for years and really don't care anymore about dating. I don't even try. I don't let couples try and make me feel bad about being single anymore. Way past that. Try and get yourself a nice present and keep it until Christmas and be smug about having it all to yourself. In my case american horror story boxset and a giant stocking of sweets. I don't have to share them and I can drink and eat what I like all over xmas. I also have some films ready to watch, a book to read etc. Plenty of treats lined up. I also know I have this for christmas - so I get slush all for me! now what do i need a boyfriend for? 🤣 Image

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OneeyedRaven

😍 thank you ShellyAnn

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nicolajaynehend

Hi oneeyedraven I am single and very happy. I live on my own so like shellyann says who needs a boyfriend. I have no mum and dad any more. So Christmas I am on my own. I am going to have a small Christmas dinner. Open my few present. Watch a good Christmas film. I love home alone. I am more for given then takening. I use to love watching my family open there present and just seeing there faces made me very happy. You could stay at home and have Christmas on your own. Which ever way you do it have a lovely Christmas when it comes. 🎅🎄

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OneeyedRaven

thank you so much. my niece and little ones would be upset if i didnt go but your christmas sounds lovely I hope you spoil yourself silly and have a magical time when it finally arrives xx

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Janhrrs

OneeyedRaven I echo what ShellyAnn has said. If you really enjoy the day with them then go otherwise stay at home and thoroughly pander yourself. I'm sure the present thing is just thoughtlessness on their behalfs and then embarrassment until they do it again the following year. Ps as for opening the dogs presents if you don't feel comfortable with that (and I wouldn't) then just say I'd rather not, how about one of the children opens them?x

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OneeyedRaven

thank you yes I think I may round up some kids and help be the dog present advocate tag reader and bin bag rattler 😀 xx

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Lynibis

I am also single but I am a bit confused about your post. Not sure why you only get 1 present if you are watching everyone else opening presents. Surely anyone who is in your home (or you in theirs) on Xmas day will have bought you a present?

I will celebrate with my 2 sons and 2 grandchildren and they take great pleasure in exchanging presents each of us to the other so I get as many as I have given. My adult granddaughter also gets me lovely gifts which are always thoughtful and exactly what I would choose.

I also have 3 special friends and we exchange presents so I get 3 in return for the 3 I have bought.

Of course, I do not need presents back from everyone and am more a giver and a bit embarrassed to receive.

Anyway I hope you get some nice surprises this year but it is hard to advise without knowing the circumstances. If you are hosting maybe just say something like 'I am going to the kitchen to see to the food and leave you lot to get on with it' and laugh merrily.

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OneeyedRaven

Hi Lynibis to clarify I am in unpaid work so get no wage so last year we agreed to set a budget for Adults and we do it as a secret santa as I couldnt afford to buy for everyone as well as their children. Especially as couples gift me together but I was having to buy everyone alone. So adults gift 1 present. But this doesnt include spouses and now married partners-in laws also exchange gifts as well as grandparents. And then friends, So I will have one from the whole family - again this is fine. I buy for the children separately but wont receive a present from any of them as theyre still little. Anyways I think I will stick to the cooking and do as Johnny suggests and maybe wrap a few bits for myself. Thanks

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Johnny

At Christmas I tend to give more presents to family members than I receive, so to even up the score on Christmas Day I buy a few cheap things for myself (Cheese, crackers, chutney, to name but three) to unwrap - To me, from me! (I should put a £100 cash in a card to myself, that'll make 'em jealous!😂)

This year I have added a board game I used to love as a kid to the 'me' list. Roll-on Christmas.

For £10 in Poundland you can have a field day....

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OneeyedRaven

My ex boyfriend Dumped me on christmas eve as we were getting ready to stay with my family. Not wanting to ruin their Christmas I lied said he was ill and then Gifted myself all the carefully chosen presents id spent all year buying the rat! Best Christmas ever..........🤣

Thanks Johnny you have cheered me up xx

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Ceebers

I am a bit of a bah humbug at Christmas. I lock the doors on Christmas eve after carol singing and do not emerge until boxing day.

It's just my partner and I and we are limit gifts to 5 small gifts most years; one every hour. This year we are only doing 3.

I find it the most difficult and depressing time of year for lots of reasons. Most peeps know to leave me be. But I really struggle around enforced happiness. You never know what journey someone is travelling.

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OneeyedRaven

so true and without meaning to sound like a condescending twerp I hope you have Christmas however you enjoy xx

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