Holiday Dating Survival Guide, Part 2: Do I Like Him… or Do I Like the Holiday Attention?

(Because sometimes the mistletoe makes us delusional.)

’Tis the season…
for twinkle lights, peppermint lattes, emotional nostalgia, and the sudden urge to believe that the man who barely texts back in October is somehow "different" in December.

Let’s go ahead and call this what it is:

Holiday Brain.

It’s just like regular dating brain, but with a dash of cinnamon.

And if you’ve ever found yourself wondering:

• Do I actually like him?

• Or do I just like being noticed when everything feels especially sparkly?

Then, this post is your holiday PSA.

Because nothing messes with clarity faster than a cute guy in a scarf saying, “We should hang out before the year ends.”

Let’s walk through this gently — with humor, clarity, and maybe a cookie.

🎁 Symptom #1: You Feel a Warm Glow… But It Might Just Be the Space Heater

He texts you:

“Happy Post Thanksgiving week 😊”

And suddenly you’re like:
“Wow… he’s emotionally available now.”

No, Sis.
He’s just finished work and is in a good mood because someone else cooked.

Before you start picturing matching pajamas, ask yourself:

Would I care if this same message came in September?

If the answer is “probably not,”
that’s holiday attention talking — not compatibility.

Don't confuse the limited-edition, peppermint-scented version of a man,
with the regular, all-year model.

❄️ Symptom #2: You Mistake Convenience for Chemistry

Holiday Attention Guy is suddenly:

• liking your posts

• responding faster

• asking how you’ve been

• sending memes again

• using more exclamation points than usual!!

And you’re like:
“OMG, he’s grown.”

Has he?
Or is he just lonely, and suddenly sentimental because the Hallmark channel has been on for two weeks straight?

Holiday loneliness is not emotional maturity.
(Though it dresses up nicely.)

🎄 Symptom #3: You Like the Vibe… Not the Man

The vibe:

• twinkle lights

• cozy sweaters

• festive cocktails

• background Christmas music

• the soft delusion that romance is in the air

The man:

• hasn’t planned a real date.

• alternates between “Maybe” and “We’ll see.”

• gives you mild anxiety with a peppermint twist.

Ask yourself:

Am I excited about him…or the idea of having someone to flirt with while sipping whipped-cream-topped beverages?

If it’s the beverage, please step away from the fantasy.

🎁 Symptom #4: You Want Someone to Bring to Holiday Events

Ah, yes… the seasonal relationship placeholder.

He’s not boyfriend material,
but he could be “my plus-one so Aunt Linda stops asking me questions” material.

Suddenly, any man with a pulse and a clean shirt starts looking like potential.

But emotional decisions made under decorative lighting should be revisited in January.

Especially decisions made after eggnog.

This is how we end up entertaining men we don’t even like — to avoid family commentary.

Reminder:

Don’t let loneliness or annoyance choose your date.
Those two have never paid your therapy bill.

🔔 Symptom #5: The Thought of New Year’s Eve Makes You Romantic

You’re not in love.

You’re just allergic to watching couples kiss while you hold a cheese plate.

Completely understandable.
Still not a reason to lower your standards.

🧣 If You Want Holiday Attention… Own It

Sometimes you’re not looking for a soulmate —
You’re just looking for someone to split a gingerbread cookie with.

That's fine.
Normal.
Human.
And definitely not a moral failure.

Just be honest with yourself so that December fun doesn’t turn into January heartbreak.

🌟 Holiday Clarity Moment

Before responding to any holiday-season attention, ask yourself:

“Do I actually like him,
Or do I like how he fills the holiday silence?”

Your answer will save you from January regret.

🎁 A Little Truth to Take With You

Holiday Attention Guy rarely becomes January Boyfriend.

January Boyfriends require:

• consistency

• clarity

• follow-through

• respect

• actual plans

• calendars

• daylight communication

Holiday Attention Guy often disappears on December 26th
Like a seasonal item, Target won’t restock.

💜 Final Thought: Give Yourself the Attention You’re Craving

If this season makes you want connection:

• call your friends.

• schedule cozy nights.

• take cute photos.

• buy yourself a gift.

• drink the good wine that you saved for a special occasion.

A real connection will grow beyond the sparkle.
If it’s seasonal, it will melt faster than a snowman in Atlanta.

Either way —
You deserve attention that lasts longer than the holiday décor.

And you will have it.