It’s probably pretty easy to get caught up in wishing a fond (or not so fond) farewell to 2009 and welcoming in 2010 with new resolutions, pant girding parties and all sorts of other mayhem. I’m with you. While I actually had a pretty splendid 2009, I’m looking forward to an even better 2010. Everything feels new and fresh and right out of the box, so I plan to enjoy unwrapping the new year.
New Years Eve always seems to be one of those holidays that can make or break a relationship. I mean, let’s admit it… expectations run high and disappointment can flow deep. Some people who like to celebrate in style are dating or married to people who would rather hunker down with a home cooked meal, fire light and one on one time. It can lead to… issues, resentment, complaints and arguments. But it doesn’t have to…
To be honest, after my Year 2000 New Years Eve debacle, I gave up on celebrating New Years. I had good reason and those of you who knew me then… may also commiserate about the crazy night when my boyfriend took me to his OTHER girlfriend’s formal New Years party and tried to act like I was just a pretty friend. Not so pretty when I figured out what was going on (thanks to her best friend giving me a private heads up while hiding out in the Ladies Room) and broke up with him at 12:07am. After that let down, I decided that New Years was a holiday better to be ignored in the future. Bah Humbug indeed.
10 years later, I’ve mellowed. I enjoy New Years like any other holiday. I’ve spent a few alone, a few with significant others and a few with friends since that fateful 2000 eve. And all in all, I would say that the less grand expectations I have of the evening, the better it’s worked out. In fact, I’ve continually experienced one that’s better than the last and I honestly have to say it has everything to do with changing my attitude to “It’s the quality of the time spent with the people I care about (myself included) rather than the nature of what we do.”
That’s not to say to give up doing what you love on New Years, but perhaps to let go, enjoy your date (or your friends or an evening by yourself) and relax into the evening a bit instead of focusing on having The Most Fun Night Ever! Who knows… you might end up having a night to remember instead.
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Hello i read your site often and wanted to wish you all the best for the New Year!
Thanks Abdul! Best right back at ya!
Happy 2010, Kelli! Hope you are enjoying SF. Keep up the good work with the blog, and keep us posted about your book progress.
One thing I hope to learn in 2010: what a “pant girding party” is…
Thanks Ray! “Pant Girding:” A form of expression connotating the need to “pull up one’s pants” or “put your big girl panties on.” Ie. growing up, manning up, stepping up. Add party and it makes it sound more fun than torture.
I think everyone has various ideas on this topic and a lot depends on the age of the answerer. As I have aged, my precedencies have changed. I no longer look for anyone to make me happy, I look for fellowship, person that will work with me for a popular goal. Other than that, it is up to yourself to be lucky, and until you acquire to take care of yourself, your only doing yourself up for grief and pain by looking on others to do that for you. One thing is that a love relationship is to much to charish to be advertising in the first position. Maybe you don’t have the game for her, but if she loves you she will help you with that. Just demand her what am i doing wrong to piss you off and also make sure that every conversation at least one matter is right.