Ask Dr. Betty Polston, the Midlife Relationships Expert

I feel alone and unloved when I see everybody else with their husbands, boyfriends and family during the holidays. I also feel sad that I don't have anyone in my life, especially now, who makes me feel important and needed. What can I do? --L.

Dear L.,

The holiday blues or feeling "holiday challenged" is a widespread problem for many, especially from Thanksgiving through New Year's.

We might feel alienated at this time because of our holiday expectations and comparisons. We expect our loved ones and family members to be together in a happy and fulfilled setting. We also expect to be remembered through gift giving and other displays of caring and consideration.

Just like the Norman Rockwell paintings of happy families around the dinner table, the media claims, "You're supposed to be happy!" How can we live up to these standards? It's easy to compare our lives to these images which set us up for disappointment and frustration.

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