Have you ever seen couples together during the holidays while single and felt a sense of envy?
Seeing happy couples is virtually inescapable during the holidays. They’re on TV, at school, family get-togethers, and walking down the street. On TV, they’re getting awesome gifts and at school you hear girls talk about what they are getting their boyfriends and vice versa.
It can be hard to watch and listen to this and not feel like you’re missing out. I’ve been there, and I’ve felt what you felt- that tinge of desire to get something on the last day of school to make you feel special.
Be not dismayed! This post is going to discuss five ways to avoid this feeling, especially during the holidays.
5 ways to avoid relationship envy
- No relationship is better than a terrible one.
Harsh, right? But it’s true. It is better to be single than to be in a terrible relationship just to have something at Christmas. It’s amazing what girls will put up with during this time because they want to feel special and recognized. Any time you feel this envy creeping up, remember that being single is not bad, being in a terrible relationship is.
2. Things aren’t always what they seem
“But all the couples I know are happy. They’re not in a bad relationship!” Maybe they are, but there are always things going on between them that you don’t know. Maybe the guy is cheating on her, or maybe he’s just stringing her along until a better girl comes. Maybe she doesn’t really even like him, but wants attention and will break his heart.
This is ESPECIALLY true on social media. I don’t care how cute their Snapchat stories are or how cute they look on Instagram, looks can be deceiving and you don’t need to get emotionally down over something that only shows the BEST of what’s going on.
3. Their relationship may not be honoring God
I don’t care how cute the couple looks, or how well they seem to “have it all”, if their relationship is not honoring God, there is nothing to envy. Their relationship will only lead them down a road of destruction, and that is not something you want.
Find yourself jealous of others in a seemingly perfect relationship? Click To Tweet
4. Trust in God’s timing
You may spend a few holidays lonely, but the majority of the time, you will get married and get to spend every holiday with your spouse. Trust in this, and focus on the single years you have where you don’t have to worry whose house you’re going to or what you’re going to buy for in-laws that you might not even like.
5. Pour into the relationships you do have
If you are single, spend your time pouring into those around you. Is there a volunteer opportunity at your school for the holidays? Do it! Do you have a younger sibling or cousin that you could take shopping or spend time with? Do it! Think of ways you can make the holidays extra special for those around you.
In closing
Having relationship envy can happen anytime, but it seems to come full force during the holidays. Follow these guidelines and trust in God’s plan. Spend time pouring into those around you, and you will have a fun filled holiday that you can look back on and smile.
Have a happy Christmas season,
-Sarah
P.S. If you want to know more about teenage relationships, check out our book, So, You Think You’re Ready to Date? by clicking here or the graphic below.
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