LOUISE’S LOVE LETTER

EDITION 11:

December Dating: Don’t Let the Lights Lower the Bar 💜

A gentle reminder that holiday vibes are not a test of compatibility.

Hey, Friend

December has a way of making us… emotionally generous. The lights twinkle, the playlists hit, the parties roll in, and suddenly the person who couldn’t text back in October is standing under holiday décor looking like a reasonable option.

And that’s when we start doing things like:

• rewriting history

• lowering standards “just a little.”

• calling inconsistency “timing.”

• and confusing atmosphere with affection

And suddenly, the same person who didn’t quite meet the bar in October starts looking… less bad in December.

Not better.
Just better-lit.

No judgment. This is a safe space. 😌

But this week’s blog is your gentle reminder that being warm-hearted doesn’t mean being negotiable.

✨ This Week on the Blog

Holiday Soft Spots: Why We Lower Our Standards in December (and How to Lift Them Back Up Gently)

This post is for anyone who has ever thought:

• “He’s not perfect, but…”

• “It’s just for the holidays.”

• “Maybe I’m being too hard.”

“Maybe he’s different this time…”

…when the only thing that changed was the lighting.

We’re talking about why this season makes us softer, how nostalgia messes with our standards, and how to stay open-hearted without reopening old loops.

👉Read it here: GO TO BLOG.

😂 A Funny Preview (Because We Learn Better When We Laugh)

If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking:

“He’s actually kind of cute…”

…about someone who stressed you out three months ago, please know that’s not romance.

That’s December.

And December will have you mistaking a polite hello for emotional maturity, like: “Wow. Growth.”

No ma’am. That is a greeting. 😅

🪩 The Holiday Standard Reset

Try this tiny reset the next time you feel your standards slipping:

Ask yourself:

1. Would I be excited about this person in March… when the holiday glow is gone?

2. Is this “connection,” or is this just the season making me sentimental?

3. Is he consistent… or just conveniently available right now?

If you can’t answer clearly, don’t panic.
Just don’t commit your heart to a “maybe.”

🎄 Mini Quiz: The December Soft Spot Check

Answer honestly (no one’s grading you, Sis):

1. When he pops up in December, you think:
   A) “It’s a sign!”
   B) “It’s the season.”
   C) “Let’s see if he follows through.”
   D) “Not today, Santa.”

2. Holiday flirting feels:
   A) Exciting and hopeful
   B) Fun, but temporary
   C) Cute, but I need consistency
   D) Dangerous, like glitter, it's hard to clean up.

3. Your standards in December are:
   A) On vacation
   B) Flexible but aware
   C) Firm and peaceful
   D) Stronger than my Wi-Fi password

Mostly A/B: You’re human — just keep your eyes open.
Mostly C/D: You’re healed-ish. I love that for you. 💜

P.S. — Share the Love 💜

If this newsletter made you laugh, think, or side-eye your own December choices (respectfully)…share it with a friend who might need a little clarity this season.

Because no one should navigate holiday flirting alone.

December is allowed to be cozy.
Your heart is allowed to be open.

But your standards don’t need to go on holiday break.

You deserve a connection that feels good before, during, and after the lights come down.

With love — and standards that don’t change with the décor,
Louise
Author of Stop Dating the Wrong Letters
www.2-oys.com