The Highlight by LOOKFANTASTIC Nov/Dec 2022

“I love Christmas whether I’m single or not. It’s just a lovely time of year for spending time with people you love,” she says. “Being single affords you the chance to be selfish and put all your energy into you,” adds Claira, who values being able to enjoy parties and pick where she’s spending the holidays without having to factor in someone else. “When you’re single you have a kind of agility with other relationships and the opportunity to cultivate self-love,” highlights Dr Alexandra Solomon, clinical psychologist, author and host of the podcast Reimagining Love . Dr Solomon says it’s important to acknowledge that any shame around being single comes from a societal stigma rather than from within. “You’re taking on something that the culture has given you. Having this awareness helps avoid taking this stigma on,” she says – something which Claira has learned over time. “I really bought into the notion of being ‘left on the shelf’ 1/ AROMATHERAP Y ASSOCIATES Ultimate Bath and S hower Oil Collection 10pcs / £65 2/ LELO Sona 2 Cruise £99 SEASONAL SELF-CARE RELATIONSHIPS & DATING