Let me know if this scenario sounds familiar: you've met somebody that seems out of this world on the internet and the conversation is popping off. You've even transitioned from messaging within the app to texting (#milestone), then before very long, there's Elves in stores everywhere and you've got both had a million different social engagements to go to. Yup, the holidays are here in full force. Cue: mass panic. Can this potential budding love connection survive the season of snow, fake white beards and gingerbread everything?
Fear not. Just because it's the most busy (magical?) time of year, does not mean that you are love life needs to have a nosedive.
Want to help keep the momentum going with someone you've been speaking with over the holidays? Here are a few tips.
1. Set a date for following the holiday rush.
One of the simplest ways to help keep the conversation going is as simple as making a date so there is something to look forward to after the rush of the holidays is behind you. Plus, with a date planned in advance, there's way less chance that this will turn into some type of glorified penpal relationship.
2. Have patience.
While it's easy to get swept up within the chance of a new romance, it is important that you set appropriate expectations with this season — or as the great Ice Cube would say, 'check yourself before you wreck yourself.' You may be having a mellow holiday season, but the person you're chatting with might be in the midst of a chaotic melee of friends and family with barely a minute to think, not to mention chat for very long periods of time. If someone doesn't write back right away, have patience. Rather than assuming the worst and letting your feelings obtain the best individuals, have patience and provide them their space.
3. Show your interest by being responsive.
Sure, you're both busy, but when they're initiating a conversation along with you, this definitely shows some level of interest (and vice versa). Respond to their messages when you can to keep the momentum going. Also, communicate openly. Knowing you're going to be tied up for a few days or without your phone (ie. you're going to be holed in a cabin somewhere), just let your partner know (“Hey, I'm going to be tied up/away for the following few days but look forward to communicating with you as soon as I'm back.”) Some communication and consideration goes quite a distance to developing trust.
4. Send them an interesting meme or a cute photo.
If you're both super busy, however, you wish to let the body else realize that you're considering them, consider sending them a photo or image — for example, an interesting holiday meme or perhaps a snapshot of that big batch of mulled wine you just created using an email attached (“Can't wait to talk about a glass or two along with you soon!”) If you are both big animal people, send them a photo of your dog dressed in his special holiday bandana. As the saying goes, a photograph says a thousand words and it is a great way to reveal that you're thinking of these questions cute, but casual way.
5. Don't fall in love before you decide to meet.
I know it sounds silly. “I could never be seduced by someone I've not met!” But it's so easy to get caught up in the romance of the season (The lights! The mistletoe! The spiked eggnog lattes!) and begin to feel stuff that might not pan out when you meet personally. If you are already picking out the wedding china and you haven't met yet, you might like to reel your emotions inside a bit. Hopefully your date will be awesome when it happens. Until then, remember that it's still only a date and all sorts of bets are off until you meet in the real world.