Not-So-Shocking Celeb Splits

Believe it or not, I used to respect Pamela Anderson. She doesn't take herself seriously. She does a lot of good for animal rights. But it looks like she just can't get her love life together. After just four months of marriage to Kid Rock, complete with several wedding ceremonies around the world, the couple has called it quits. Some people think it was their differences when it comes to animal rights -- he's a hunter, she's SO not -- and there have been rumors that Rock was more temperamental than Tommy Lee. Regardless of why the couple split, I'm guessing it's for the best. They seemed to bring out the white trash in each other. Not that that was a difficult feat. But a wedding reception in a bikini? Trashy not classy. I guess it's good they broke up when they did. I'd hate to see their white trash Christmas.

And apparently the virginal Hilary Duff and boyfriend Joel Madden has split. I never quite understood what the 27-year-old rocker saw in the 19-year-old teen queen.

Looking for gifts celebrating the single life? Browse The Breakup Shop.

Holiday 101: The Joys of Being Single

As the saying goes, 'tis the season to be jolly. But for some, being single during the holidays can be a real drag. Whether it's the idea of spending yet another Christmas without a significant other, being the only single person at all those family gatherings, or just feeling like another year has flown by without meeting that special someone, being single during the holidays can be overwhelming. But never fear, my fabulous friends. The key to having a fun and festive holiday season actually has nothing to do with having a significant other or not. In fact, the secret to the celebratory season lies in giving thanks for exactly where you are in life. And for the savvy single, that means celebrating the many joys of being single, especially during the holidays.

Joy #1: No In-Laws
Finding love is hard enough. Finding in-laws you love is even harder. So this season, give thanks that there are no in-laws in your life right now. And that's a very good thing! No quarrels over whose house you're spending the holidays at. No guilt trips about when the wedding, baby, and/or big promotion will happen. And as much as your own family may drive you nuts, spend a little extra time appreciating your quirky family members this holiday season. Next year, you may be dealing with your new significant other's family. And you never know whether you'll be lucky or not so be grateful for what you've got this year.

Joy #2: No Expensive Gifts to Buy
With no significant other to shop for this holiday season, your wallet may be feeling a little fat. You can lighten the load in a myriad of ways. From padding your savings account to splurging on the single friends in your life to doing something charitable for others in need, your hard-earned dollars will find their rightful home soon enough. And in the meantime, give thanks for being single and all the fabulous freedom it affords you this holiday season!

Joy #3: The Mystery of Mistletoe
Sure, it would be nice to have someone special to kiss under the mistletoe at every holiday party this season, but Joy #3 of being single is that you never know who you'll meet under the mistletoe! You could kiss a couple cuties during the holidays this year. That's the fun of being single. Knowing that the possibilities are endless, and that your next great kisser may just around the corner, or under the mistletoe. So why not put on your best party dress and flirt a little this holiday season?

Joy #4: The Freedom to Flirt
And speaking of flirting, one of the best things about being single is that you have the freedom to flirt 24-7. Sure, when you're coupled up you can still engage in the occasional flirt fest. But while you find yourself free of a romantic entanglement at this time of year, live it up! Strike up a conversation with every cutie you meet this holiday season. Whether they smile, respond, and/or ask for your number is irrelevant. The point is to practice, practice, practice your flirting skills. You, my footloose and fancy free friend, have a free pass to flirt your booty off right now. Go for it!

Joy #5: Rejoice. Renew. Reflect.
The holidays are the perfect time to take stock of your life as it is and to make any changes for the coming year. And the beauty of being single is that all of the choices are up to you so you get to be incredibly selfish! Really spend some time this holiday season thinking about what you want for your fabulous life. Looking to make a career change? Make it happen! Want to go back to school? Go for it! Serious about finding the love of your life? Enlist the help of friends and experts and make 2007 the best year possible. You deserve it!

So there you have it -- the joys of being single during the holidays. May you learn it, live it, love it.

The Savvy Single Gal's Must-Have Holiday Wish List

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Holiday Breakup Etiquette

What do Britney Spears, Chris Rock, and Reese Witherspoon have in common? Aside from the fact that all three stand to lose a significant portion of their million-dollar fortune to their soon-to-be exes, they all share an insider secret. And that secret is this. You cannot break up with someone between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day. It's just bad breakup etiquette. And so after allegedly consulting the etiquette books, Britney, Chris, and Reese all made speedy decisions to call their marriages off before the holiday season. Maybe it was their spouses' pricey holiday wish list that put them over the edge (I'm guessing K-Fed wasn't asking for Tonka trucks or Legos). Or maybe it was the idea of spending yet another holiday season under the mistletoe with someone they weren't in love with anymore (or who's just a sloppy kisser!). Or maybe, just maybe, the idea of bankrolling another holiday get-together with the inlaws made them snap. In any event, they made wise and swift decisions and can rest easy knowing that their breakup etiquette was acceptable, albeit a little close to the cut off date of November 22.

If you or someone you know is contemplating a breakup right this very minute, you should let them know there are only a few more weeks left in 2006 to call it quits. And if they chicken out, they've gotta wait until February 15 to make a break. That means spending Turkey Day, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's Eve, AND Valentine's Day with potentially the wrong person for them.

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The Breakup Survivor Book Tour... coming to a city near you!

Calling all breakup survivors! And really, who hasn't survived a breakup or two? The Breakup Survivor Book Tour is coming to a city near you in the spring of 2007. To help promote my book, I'll be traveling around the country doing book signings, seminars, meeting and greeting my fellow breakup survivors, and giving great gift giveaways! It's gonna be tons of fun! And I want to meet anyone and everyone who's a breakup survivor and wants to celebrate the ones who got away.

More details coming. Keep your ears perked and your eyes open.

If you're interested in participating in The Breakup Survivor Book Tour, email SurvivorTour@BreakupChronicles.com. Join the fun!

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It's official -- my book is real!!!