Christmas, New Year's Harder on Singles than Valentine's Day, Poll Reveals
Catholics vote and vent about the woes of holiday singledom </pre> <p><location>PITTSBURGH</location>, <chron>Dec. 18</chron> /CNW/ -- The most wonderful time of year is the loneliest time for singles, a telling new CatholicMatch poll reveals.</p> <pre> (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071009/NETU061LOGO ) </pre> <p>Nearly 3,000 members answered the question: "Which holiday do you find most difficult to be single?" Forty percent chose Christmas, while 32 percent said <chron>New Year's Eve</chron>, 26 percent said <chron>Valentine's Day</chron> and 2 percent said <chron>Thanksgiving</chron>.</p> <p/> <p>The romantic scenes that play out in Christmas movies, commercials and songs - kissing couples, sparkling diamonds, happy endings - can painfully underscore the absence of a significant other, respondents said. "Is anyone familiar with that jewelry store Jared?" asked Monica-390419. "Their commercials are enough to make you gag. I recluse from <chron>Nov. 1</chron> until <chron>Jan. 1</chron>, and then it's safe to come out."</p> <p/> <p>Julio-512347 admitted, "In the past there have been occasions where I've just slept through it all and was glad it was over."</p> <p/> <p>Attending holiday parties without a date is hard for many singles. "It's like being alone in a crowd," Donna-462418 explained. Others dread family gatherings, where uncles tease, aunts quiz and grandparents examine left hands, Daniel-228472 wrote. "It gets depressing year after year."</p> <p/> <p>But if Christmas induces the most pointed, prolonged sense of loneliness among singles, <chron>New Year's Eve</chron> takes a close second. Respondents vented about the awkward midnight kiss and the lack of partnership entering into a new year. "Everyone is paired off and dressed up," Denise-464246 wrote. "Sitting at home with my bottle of sparkling cider is boring - even if I put on my nice PJs."</p> <p/> <p>With a record 22 million single Catholics in the country, it's important for married friends and relatives to be sensitive during Christmas, CatholicMatch co-founder Brian Barcaro said.</p> <p/> <p>CatholicMatch polls like this one reflect the dynamic online community that sets the site apart. While members seek out their spouses, they also share trials and triumphs, insights and prayers. The site supports instant messaging and hosts three chat rooms and 38 forums, including St. Isidore's Room (for techies), St. Joseph's Room (for job hunters) and St. Vitus' Room (for jokesters).</p> <p/> <p>CatholicMatch.com is the largest online community for Catholic singles seeking friendship, marriage, and religious discernment. It is operated by Acolyte, LLC, an internet management and development company based in Evans City, Pa.</p> <p/> <p> </p> <p> </p> <pre> CONTACT ------- Christina Ries [email protected] 651.245.7323
For further information: For further information: Christina Ries, +1-651-245-7323, [email protected] Web Site: http://www.CatholicMatch.com
Share this article