Single woman called out bias in people’s suggestions for single people during holidays — the internet has mixed feelings
As everyone awaits the Christmas and New Year holidays, a single woman has sparked a conversation about the unsolicited advice she receives on how to spend her time. Sharing her experience on the community forum Mumsnet, she (@biggerboat) said people often offer biased suggestions to those who are single, calling out a recurring piece of advice. She shared that the advice often feels patronizing and unfairly targeted at individuals spending the holidays alone. In her post, she wrote, "Why is it always the suggestion that single people alone over the festive season volunteer for something?"
She called it biased, pointing out that such advice is not given to couples but only to those who spend their holidays alone. "It's rare that this is suggested when a couple asks for ideas of things to do." She further added, "This implies, to me anyway, that single people are only worthy if their time is spent in servitude somehow. That their time is of less value." Asking the fellow people who use the platform, she added, "I find it patronizing. It irks me." @sunshineonthewater agreed with her points and replied, "Good point. I’d never thought about it, but you’re right." @papyrophile wrote, "I don't disagree, but if you don't have a more enjoyable social alternative, then I think I would not discard the idea. I am likely to be widowed before I get old, so doing something to help others is a good idea."
"I'm single (divorced), and I think you're overthinking. If you're a single person who does want to spend time being Christmassy with others on Christmas day but haven't got friends and family to join up with, then volunteering is a good option. Actually, it's pretty much the only option. I have DC, but may well spend some Christmas days alone once they grow up and inevitably need to see their OHs' families too. I'm already thinking that I may well pitch in somewhere on the day," said @usernameMcUsername, telling that the woman was overthinking.
A study published in December 2024 suggested a significant rise in solo celebrations during the holiday season. According to the research done by King's College London, they found that more young adults are spending holidays alone now than they used to decades ago. The study suggested a significant shift in the social patterns, but also highlighted a possibility of isolation. The people aged 65 and over shared that they would spend Christmas by themselves, and it has remained the same since 1969. But the biggest increase was seen among the young people, where one in 11 wanted to spend the holiday alone.
Professor Bobby Duffy, director of the Policy Institute at King's College London, stated that, as per the data, now Christmas seems lonelier and less magical than it was five decades ago. According to another study by the British Psychological Society, published in December 2025, around 1.5 million older people spent their Christmas alone this year. Commenting on the shocking findings, Associate Professor, Mhairi Bowe, at Heriot-Watt University said, "Our social groups provide us with important health resources. They help us cope during stressful times, because of the support and belonging they provide."