No More "Just" Friends

There is something about the Christmas season that tends to be unfair to singles. Even those happily single can not escape the romance comedies and the in-your-face cuddling in front of the fireplace. It is all too easy to fall prey to the pity party, and I fell into it many, many times. 

In this post, I want to encourage you single lady. I am not going to tell you how lucky you are to have parents who love you and a family that makes amazing home cooked meals; though you are. 

I want to talk to you about your male friends. You have them. I know you do. And no, I am not speaking of friends with benefits or time wasters. Neither am I referring to secret crushes. I am talking about wholesome, platonic male friendships. 

Got it? 

Good. 

When family members ask about that guy that accompanied you to a Holiday party and co-workers ask about the attractive man you went to lunch with, the answer is always the same. He is just a friend. I hate that "just". It carries a bit of a negative connotation. Embrace the friendship. Treasure it. Enjoy it. Surely these male friendships will change when you get married, and change they must. Nothing is lost when this change occurs, but take advantage of this time. 

I had a few "just" friends in my single years. In these friendships I found entertainment, advice, and companionship. They attributed a lot to my well being and maturity. As a matter of fact, I honestly don't think that my husband and I would not be as compatible as we are had I not learned what I did from these friendships. They taught me how to be friends with men without having a lingering sexual tension. This is critical in purity before marriage and during. They taught me who Norah Jones was, and for this reason I can more so appreciate Adele and her greatness. They taught me how to create and abide by a budget and how to manage a checking account. Priceless.  They told me about the most amazing jazz club in Tampa,FL. My husband and I frequent this spot to this very day. 

So, have fun with your friends during this holiday season. 

Have dinner with Joe. 

Catch a movie with Riley. 

Go to the Christmas concert with Jason. 

Accompany Harold to that function he invited you to. 

You are not as lonely as you may think. Celebrate this season. There is a season for everything. The season of marriage will come in time. 

It will be amazing. 

You won't then long for this season of friendships, but  you will then see a value in it that you might not be able to see today.

Trust me on this one. 

<3 you!