So you've gone from 'in a relationship' to 'single' in the last few days and more than likely you've spent one or two of those days sitting in your pyjamas eating your feelings. Well, it's time to stop wallowing in self-pity (and whatever one of the food groups you've been surviving on), because a Christmas breakup is a blessing in disguise. Although it may not seem like it now, we promise, six months down the line you're going to look back and say, "your one from Her.ie was bang on the money", or something along those lines. Here are seven reasons to take all the negatives from a festive breakup and turn them into positives. 1. Fresh Start Listen, no one ever starts a diet on a Thursday, you always wait until Monday rolls around again before you begin, because it is just easier to start something at the beginning of the week. Well, the very same goes for relationships... Say goodbye (G.F.Y) to 2015 and welcome the fresh new start and look forward to all that 2016 has in store. 2. 2016... How You Doin' Think of ALL the nights out you're going to have, weekends away with the girls, the freedom to plan that long summer break in America you always wanted to go on... And more importantly lastly, all the dashing, shiny and new potential suitors that will cross your path next year. 3. You Are William Wallace FREEDOM! You've such a brave heart. (We apologise profusely for the bad pun). 4. Next Year WHAM! Will Be Your Christmas Jam http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8gmARGvPlI "Last Christmas I gave you my heart, but the very next day you gave it away..." and in 2016, to save yourself from tears, you'll give it someone special. 5. New Year, New You Plan and commit to one thing that you never had the time or would never have done when you were in a relationship. It can be a date night every week with the girls (we all know we can get caught up in the romance and forget about friends). Join a hiking club. Follow me on Twitter and laugh at all my hilarious tweets. Volunteer. Give your time to something or someone that deserves it and will appreciate it. 6. The Presents It's one of those things that we can't say out loud, but we're all thinking it. If you happened to receive any early Christmas gifts from your other half before the separation then keep them. You don't have to use them, but you can be sure it will be easy to find them a good home. If you're the organised kind and have his presents lying in a Christmas bag unopened, then take them back and buy yourself something and donate the rest to a good cause. You'll feel better for it. 7. Re-Evaluation Time Tensions are running high at Christmas time. I'm not making excuses for bad behaviour but a lot of factors come into a Christmas breakup. It is a time of year that money problems are on the forefront of a lot of people's minds. Alcohol consumption is excessive and can exacerbate trivial situations or cause people to do horrible things they'd never do in sobriety. I'm not condoning anything here, but maybe spending the end of the year alone will make, not only you but the other person reevaluate the situation and think about how they plan to make amends in the New Year. It's important to take this time apart to way up the pros and cons of the relationship and remember folks, always be true to yourselves. PREACH.   2016 side note... If it makes you feel any better, Shifty Firsts Dates is back with a bang in the New Year. When I say bang, that's not sexual innuendo of any kind. The single females on the Her desk will be sharing stories that promise to make any horror dating experiences you've had look like a walk in the park. Chat then... *waving hand emoji*.