It is not a new concept to be alone during the holidays. With the ever changing times and varying expectations it is most likely that there will be some who will be spending their thanksgiving without a special someone or with a beloved pet. So why is this becoming a re-occurring theme?

First of all, it should be stated, that there is absolutely nothing wrong with being alone for the holidays, and for thanksgiving in this case. Nor is this something to be ashamed of. There are various reasons why some would chose to be alone this thanksgiving. From the perspective of a millennial, the over utilization of social networking has made it difficult to establish or initiate a physical relationship. We have become a generation, entirely dependent on our social media accounts to talk to and maintain relationships instead of meeting people or potential partners the old fashioned way.

Some have rather grown accustomed to being alone/single during the holidays, and that is completely fine as well. In fact, in Japan, there is an exclusive café for single people to go to on special holidays, normally spent by people in relationships. To be alone during the holidays, is slowly becoming a widely recognized norm.

There is the old familiar pressure of introducing your partner to your family during thanksgiving and one of the special perks of celebrating the holiday alone is that you do not have to go through that. Moreover, there is this unspoken expectation that we place on ourselves each year to find someone to go back home with. For those who may not be going back home with someone, take comfort in the fact that you will be surrounded by family and friends who love you and not to mention the tremendous amount of food to be devoured.

Remember, there is always something to look forward to next year and the hope that it will be different.