It’s the season for weddings, and you must see many of your friends and cousins joining the bride or groom squad. Well, this is inevitable. And the feeling of FOMO or fear of missing out in all the singles out there is also bound to exist. This just comes as a wave of emotions for some, but others may keep sinking into this feeling. Of course, it can be overwhelming to keep going to weddings, answering the same question of “Shaadi kab karoge beta?” and eating Shaadi ka khana all by yourself. But don’t worry! Today, we will discuss seven effective ways to get rid of FOMO during the wedding season if you are still single.
Focus on yourself
Instead of cribbing about not having a life partner, it’s better to focus on yourself. Focus on your life goals. Focus on what you want to do. Sometimes, you may feel that getting married is what you want to do. But, honestly, if you divert your mind, there is a lot more that you are hiding behind the walls of your mind. Aahana Chaudhary, 24, Noida, says, “Being a woman in my mid-20s, what I’ve realised is that we live in a fast-paced society where there is often little time to accomplish everything that matters to us while also meeting societal expectations. Marriage is one of those expectations. However, what I have realized personally is that FOMO arises when we lack clarity about our goals. When we have a clear life plan knowing when to focus on our career and family, and when to start a new chapter, it makes events like wedding season less overwhelming. Ultimately, a little patience goes a long way.”
There’s a lot you can do alone!
As discussed above, there’s a lot you can do alone! Maybe a trip you wanted to go on but have been procrastinating it? Maybe a painting you wanted to start? Maybe a book you were wanting to write for so long? Well, there are endless possibilities of what you want to do but have not done yet. Isn’t it? So, instead of making plans for your imaginary wedding, make plans to start your unfinished dreams. Sonia Jakhwal, a PR Professional, says, “Instead of fearing weddings, embrace them to change how you think about people around you, in cities you never travelled to. To alter the perception of attending half-day events and have them become a source of empowerment.” At the same time, Shubhii Verma, 29, a marketing consultant from Delhi says, “I have started to focus on my business and it gives me a lot more peace than anything else can ever give. Once you taste the satisfaction of solitude and what success you can create in peace, you will not think of this FOMO again.”
Try dating apps, instead of calling your ex
A survey from dating application Quack Quack revealed that 19 per cent of daters from Tier 1 and 2 cities between 18 and 28 admitted to reconnecting with an ex-match during the wedding season. Nostalgia, holiday sentimentality, and a touch of the phera pressure emerged as the primary motivators. Well, this is a widespread experience. After seeing someone marrying their love, you may feel the urge to get back to the comfortable arms of your ex. But here’s a reality check. It is going to screw things for you as it may have happened before as well. So, it’s better to divert your mind to something else, something fresh, something new! Tejaswani Arora, Clinical Psychologist at the mental health platform LISSUN, says, “Use dating apps to find possible connections if you’re actively looking for a companion. You will meet new people and broaden your social circle, but it’s crucial to approach them with a positive outlook.”
Engage with like-minded friends and family members
Your friends and like-minded family members are your biggest cheerleaders at such times. Have enriching conversations with them and enjoy their company. It is your biggest blessing during the time of loneliness. Call a friend, have conversations around your favourite subjects and you won’t realize you are missing out on anything in life. You may also try sitting with your parents or grandparents and discussing history, culture and their stories over a cup of tea. What would be better than that?
Let aunties talk!
You need to understand that people will ask you this question “Shadi kab karogey, beta” You can’t dodge the question. So consider having a deaf ear to the question or maybe keep a witty response ready for them. But don’t let this question kill the thrill of your best friend or your cousin’s wedding. Enjoy the moment. Be a part of their celebration. You are there for them. So forget everything else and just let the party roll.
Limit your social media time
Well, if you get easily affected by seeing a lot of wedding photos on people’s Instagram stories, then it would be better to keep away from your social media for some time, especially during the wedding season. Arora from LISSUN suggests, “Avoiding FOMO requires changing your social media habits. You need to learn how to overcome FOMO by limiting your use of social media or taking extended breaks from it.”
Remember you are not alone!
Ah! Of course! You are not alone. There are many singles out there at your age. So maybe try connecting with them and discussing your mutual feelings. There’s a lot you can do while you are still single. Ask those who have been married. Pun intended. But, yes, there’s a lot to explore. So don’t waste this precious time in cribbing. It ain’t coming back. Once you are taken, you won’t find the similar solace you still have.
