Whether you’ve been on a couple dates or you’re practically official, there are some special rules when it comes to seeing someone new this time of year. In the spirit of the season, we’re here to offer some friendly advice.

Don’t settle.

The holidays can be a tough time to be single, we get it. But don’t settle for someone just to have a plus-one to the office holiday party. That often results in regret and disappointment once the season’s decorations have come down. Plus, you could miss the opportunity to meet someone you’re actually interested in.

Put thought into your plus-ones.

Speaking of holiday parties, this time of year is filled with plus-one opportunities. Put extra thought into deciding which ones you should seize.

If you’re not there yet, that’s okay. It’s far more fun to fly solo than spend an evening introducing (and entertaining) someone that you hardly know yourself.

Meet Match’s Dating Expert: Lauren

“If you’re on the fence about inviting someone to a gathering, ask yourself these questions: Have I been on multiple dates with this person? Do my close friends and family know about them? And if so, is this someone I want them to ask me about later? Do I see us becoming exclusive in the future? If the answer is yes, you should definitely invite them.”

Get the gift conversation out of the way.

People put a lot of pressure on the great gift debate, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’d like to exchange gifts, make sure you give them a heads up to avoid the guessing game. “I found a gift the other day that I think you’ll love. It’s nothing big, but I’m excited to see you open it.” 

If you’re not ready for that step, consider posing an alternative idea. For example, “Hey, that band we both love is performing next week. Should we get tickets? It could be our gift to each other.”

Don’t read too much into distance.

The holidays are a busy time of year. Between parties, family obligations and wrapping things up for the work year, people are juggling a lot. If you’re not getting texts back right away or they’re not available to see you as much as you’d like, you shouldn’t assume they’re not interested.