Holi-dating: Tips on How to Date During the Holidays

With all the joy and contentment that fills the air during the holidays, the season always seems to amplify that feeling of loneliness when you have no one to share these happy moments with. There's nothing wrong with being single, but with sappy romantic Hallmark movies on repeat, it's hard not to long for a Christmas love story of your own. Who doesn't want that special someone to share a kiss with under the mistletoe or to snuggle up with next to a warm fire while sipping on some wine?

Thankfully, Stephanie Osgood, owner, and director of the personalized matchmaking service for busy professionals, It's Just Lunch Houston, has some great advice on how you can find a romance even sweeter than the ones on TV.

The first key to dating during the holiday season (or any season) is making sure you're not forcing anything. It can be easy to get caught up in the idea of just having a partner, someone to share experiences with or drag along to all the holiday parties you're invited to — but if your intentions are in the wrong place, then you may just end up wasting both you and your potential partner's time. Once you have nailed down exactly what you want out of a relationship, the next steps are easy.

Planning out your dates is a big part of the process. Sometimes it can be hard to come up with activities or places to go that will be fun for both parties involved. First dates are always nerve-wracking, and you don't want to amplify that by stressing about whether your date will like the place or activity you have planned.

As a Houston local, Osgood knows all the hot new places downtown that will make your first date more than memorable — in the best way. Through her matchmaking service, Osgood usually sets up a match's first date at a restaurant. Some of her favorite spots are Post Oak Grill, a modernized American restaurant with high-quality offerings and Le Colonial, a Vietnamese restaurant with a luxurious yet trendy atmosphere. Osgood also suggests doing a restaurant crawl if you are looking for something more than just a sit-down meal. You can pick several unique places to try that are all close together to keep the date going. Start your date off with some refreshing cocktails and small plates to share at MAD, Houston's favorite Spanish tapas restaurant. Then once you've eased those jittery nerves with some conversation and a few drinks, head over to Toulouse for some Belgian-inspired French cuisine. Finish out the night with some dessert and wine at Gratify.

If you prefer a more activity-based first date, exploring the city is always a great option. The Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park features a magnificent four-story fountain. There are also many beautiful light displays scattered throughout the city during the holidays, such as at The Galleria or River Oaks, where you can walk through displays and shop around.

In the midst of the pandemic, if you're worried about personal health and safety, pick an activity or restaurant that makes you feel comfortable. There are plenty of restaurants with outdoor dining and socially distanced seating, or you can always opt for strictly outdoor activities. Do what is best for yourself and educate yourself ahead of time about health protocols that may be in place wherever you choose to go.

Whatever best fits your lifestyle or likes, it doesn't matter what you choose for your first date, as long as it's something you enjoy — this is the perfect opportunity to show a bit of your personality or hobbies, highlighting how you like to spend your free time.

With planning out of the way, when preparing for the date itself, nerves can run high — it is easy to overthink what you are going to say, do and everything in between. But Osgood says if you remember to make eye contact, smile, and keep good energy throughout the date, that second date won't be far behind. The person you are going out with is probably just as nervous as you. If you focus on what you can do to make the other person feel more at ease, your own nervousness will lessen as well.

Lastly, just be yourself. A tale as old as time but essential to keep in mind. Nothing is worse than going out with someone and realizing they are a completely different person three months down the road. If you stay true to yourself, you will find the perfect person to compliment you. Dating is not always easy, especially during a time where love is abundant everywhere you turn. But, if you put yourself out there, you might find the one.