In VTV’s latest installation of “Talk Dirty to Me with Sara Starkman…” our relationship expert explains why being alone at the beginning of the holidays might be the best thing to happen to your dating life…

The holiday season is truly upon us. The hauntingly beautiful voices of the Vienna Choir Boys resound throughout every major department store, the scent of Ginger Bread lattes waft through the air, and my Pilates instructor ever so sweetly reminds me that if I don’t workout hard enough I will look like a disco ball in my seasonal sequin dress- shit.

If you’re single, you’ve probably come to dread this time of year as the rush of perpetual advertisements serve as a constant reminder that you won’t be receiving a big fat blood diamond on Christmas morning, that there will be no one to share a cheeky kiss under the mistletoe with- that you’re positive doesn’t have the herp or bad breath (not even sure which is worse), and the ever-alarming number of party invitations that will continually cause you to have a staring contest with the “plus one” box you won’t be able to check off. And as sad and lame as this all may seem, it’s time to tuck away the world’s tiniest violin and spend your energy focusing on the beauty of the holidays. No, I’m not talking about the “Tiny Tim” kind of beauty. I’m talking about the ridiculous number of gatherings the holidays bring, presenting a host of opportunity to meet someone new. Why do you think Santa’s catch phrase is “Hoe Hoe Hoe”?

Holiday parties almost always end up being like stoplight parties (except the green and red is usually the decorative theme instead of the relationship status indicator). This is because couples, around the holidays, are typically together at all times, leaving the singles to stand out like sore thumbs, hovering around the hors d’eourves table, furiously typing the number of calories into their iTrackBites app or showing off an arsenal of hideous Movember facial hair highlights.

The point is that singles are easy to spot, and if you’re one of ‘em, you might as well use it to your advantage. Always put effort into your outfit (ladies) and hygiene (gentlemen) because you never know who you’ll end up sharing a glass of spiked eggnog with. Drinks are plentiful around this time of year, making it easier to chat with people you may otherwise just stalk endlessly on Facebook and fantasize about like a sad, sad little e-person.

Big family dinners are also a great place to meet someone. Don’t even think about your hot third cousin, this is not Breaking Amish. I’m more referring to the family friends you haven’t seen in ages, or your cousin’s friend who’s visiting from down south.

And to be honest, the holidays, as stressful (and sometimes depressing) as they can be, are a time for happiness, forgiveness and jolliness. If you’re embracing the festive splendor and attending every event that comes your way (instead of eating Chinese food with a box set of The Wire) it will amaze you just how many dates you’ll have to any number of New Year’s parties.