Thanksgiving is a holiday full of lots of family and friend time, and while it's a great time to be in a relationship, there are also perks to being single. With everyone's significant others around the table, you may have a moment or two where you're feeling a little bit of lack, or even lonely. When the question comes up, and it certainly will if you've got a family like mine, take a breather and give yourself a quick reminder. There are so many reasons to be grateful for the place that you're in today, regardless of whether you've got a beau on your arm or not. Here are five things to remember, and get grateful for, this Thanksgiving.

1. Quality time with your people. It can be a little bit of a battle to figure out where the two of you will spend Thanksgiving. Instead of stressing about splitting the time evenly, all you have to worry about is spending quality time with your family and friends.
2. Holiday movie marathons. While the Christmas movies are starting to pop up on TV, you know that Thanksgiving kicks off the endless supply of full-blown holiday movie marathons. No need to worry about missing back-to-back showings of A Christmas Story and Miracle on 34th Street while the boys are watching what seems like an endless supply of football.
3. Pure freedom. You are the center of your world right now. You've got the privilege of coming and going as you please. There's plenty of time to consider someone else in your future, but right now focus on the abundance of options you have in your life.
4. Skip the drama, mama. No need to stress about your fam not getting along with your boyfriend or not so secretly cringing when your brother embarrasses you in front of everyone. The only thing you've got to be worried about this holiday is getting first dibs on your favorite Thanksgiving foods.
5. No settling for this girl! There's a reason you're not in a relationship right now, and it's because you're not looking for anyone, you're looking for the right person. You are awesome enough to recognize that. And that's something to be grateful for.

With Thanksgiving on the horizon, you may be bugging about all of the family-filled time about to ensue. Maybe your significant other has spent lots of time with your family in the past, or maybe this is his very first time hanging with everyone. Whether you're nervous, excited, or feeling a little ambivalent at this point, here are five reminders of why you should count your blessings that you're in a solid relationship.

1. Quality time together. Holiday time off means you get to spend much-needed quality time together. No need to stress about the regular grind of the workweek. The two of you will have a shot to relax and enjoy each other.
2. Tighten your bond. Meeting the family translates to things getting real. Spending the holidays together will only solidify the foundation of your relationship.
3. Partner in crime. Since you're not flying solo, you won't need to worry about getting bored! Having your significant other at family holiday functions will only help keep you entertained (and get you out of those obligatory events you just can't handle.)
4. Connecting faces to names. Maybe he's been talking about his crazy aunt and uncle for years, but you never were able to put the whole picture together. This holiday is a perfect opportunity to understand the whole landscape of his family situation.
5. Help with the small talk. If you've got a family full of chatterboxes, the holidays can definitely be fun but slightly exhausting. With your significant other by your side, you'll be able to share the load of the questions and conversation.

Why are you grateful you're in a relationship this Thanksgiving? Share your thoughts below!

Thanksgiving can be one beautiful holiday, but depending on your situation, it can also be a lot of condensed family-filled time. Since your family is obviously interested in your life and what you've been up to, lots of questions are bound to pop up. Some will be easy to answer, but others you may not be comfortable with. In order to make your Thanksgiving as smooth and painless as possible, read through these five easy tips to help you set healthy boundaries before you set the table.

1. Tune into your feelings. Start getting comfortable with tuning into yourself and what makes you tick. If someone says something or is acting in a way that makes you feel uneasy, that's a cue that they're crossing a boundary.
2. Give yourself permission. This seems pretty straightforward, but for many this is the hardest tip to master. In order to set boundaries with your family or friends, you've got to know that you and your emotions are worth the extra effort. Maybe you've been brushing things off for years, but once you give yourself permission (even though it might not be the easiest thing to do), you can start setting healthy boundaries for the future.
3. Be direct. Don't circle it. If there's a question or topic of conversation coming up that makes you uncomfortable, be direct about how you feel. Even if your mom always has a comment about your weight or it seems like your dad will never approve of your man, be cautious to not turn your concern into a snarky comment or attack. That will only propel the situation to another stratosphere. If you handle the issue as a mature adult and don't revert to your childhood self, your family is in a position to respect your wishes.
4. Choose your battles. Don't sweat the small stuff. If you're spending a few days with the fam, lots of little things will come up. If it's not that big of a deal for you to sleep in a separate bedroom than your boyfriend and you know it would mean a lot to your family, just grin and bear it. If you choose your battles wisely, it will make such a difference when a real issue rears its head.
5. Have compassion. Recognize that you should be giving thanks for your family that loves you! If you're going through a transitional time like starting a brand-new gig or moving across the country, chances are, they just want to feel connected to your new world. The only reason they're asking so many questions or offering tidbits of advice is because they're concerned about your well-being. Coming to this realization will make only make you feel more grateful this Thanksgiving.

Any other tips for setting healthy boundaries this Thanksgiving? Chime in below.

This time of year I can't help but get a little nostalgic, and slightly jealous, about all the incoming freshmen who will land on campus for the first time and embark on some of the best times of their lives.

I'm sure you'll remember being inundated with a ton of information, thrown at you from left and right from family, friends, and practically any stranger who heard you're heading off to college. And it all culminates into the craziest combination of anxiety and excitement. If you're on the cusp of college, be sure to take in all of it the best you can. You never know what piece of advice your crazy aunt will give you that will make the transition a little smoother.

Or, maybe you're the one dishing out the advice to your scholarly loved ones. Either way, here are five things we wish someone had told us — or rather, wish we had listened to — before we left for college.

Have an open mind
It seemed like everyone told us our whole lives what our university experience would be like. Maybe you had older siblings who couldn't stop filling your mind up with pictures of the next four years. Chances are you visited the campus and had some perspective of what the future had in store. Being excited is great, but not going in with specific expectations is even better. It's different for each individual. Maybe you transitioned super smoothly into dorm life or had to warm up a little to your new surroundings. Looking back, I realize that whatever the experience, it's all good. There's never a right or wrong way to get into the swing of things.

Doing things on your own is awesome
If you'd been wrapped up in a close-knit community of friends and peers, heading off to a large campus could have been overwhelming. Maybe you loved (or hooked up with) the people on your floor immediately, or maybe you didn't have the same interests. Whatever the case, getting out there and getting involved in organizations and activities that interest you is a key to college success. And the earlier you get involved, the better. Checking out an on-campus yoga class or listening to a guest speaker was always a great way to meet upperclassmen. Chances are they have the best insider tips and tricks to offer, specific to your college environment. Talk about helpful!

Keep reading for three more tips.

Today is International Forgiveness Day! Do you need to forgive anyone? We all know that sinking feeling of anger and resentment that creeps up when we least expect it. Whether your car got towed, your boyfriend ended things, or your parents constantly criticize your choices, you have two options of how to deal: you can make a scene, or you can breathe and forgive. And it's not as easy as it sounds; after all . . .

But it's worth it, and here's why.

Forgiveness Is Freedom
When we forgive, we are giving ourselves the chance to think new thoughts and perceive our experiences with a new consciousness. Everyone makes mistakes, and by forgiving, we allow those who have done us wrong a chance to redeem themselves. After we forgive, the relationship is fresh and new. We can look at things with an untainted perspective.

There Is No Future in the Past
Letting go of what happened before is crucial. Holding on to past hurts only limits your future potential. Yes, there are truly terrible things that happen that may seem unforgivable, but in order to move on, you've got to try to forgive. Otherwise, you're letting someone live rent-free in your head.

Holding a Grudge Hurts One Person
And that person is you. When we build up grudges, they live in our minds. Think about it. If you seek serious revenge on an ex-boyfriend and you spend hours plotting out different scenarios in your mind, is that hurting him? Not at all. It's only hurting you. Holding on to anger and resentment can have really serious psychological implications. But if you give yourself a chance to reflect and forgive, you'll be a far happier lady.

Wondering how to pull it off? Keep reading!

There's nothing better than a day full of BBQ, fireworks, and gorgeous weather on the Fourth of July — keep your fingers crossed San Francisco and Seattle. Whether you'll be spending the day with your beau or a big group of friends, here are some ways to enjoy the nation's birthday and bring in the Summer love!

In a Relationship
The Fourth is all about nostalgia; I remember popsicles, miniature flags, and fireworks. Go out with your sweetheart and do the things you both loved when you were little. Check out an amusement park or county fair. They're sure to have some pretty spectacular fireworks. Later that night, take a ride to see an old-school drive-in movie — an all-American date! Here are some more Fourth of July date ideas.

Single and Looking
Get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Plan a camping trip with a few friends where you can take long hikes and cozy up by a campfire. If indoor plumbing is more your style, lounge in a park or make a bonfire on the beach with the perfect combination of friends, drinks, and food. There will definitely be other crews around with the same idea. Don't hesitate to introduce yourself to people who are close by. Loosen up! It's summertime. And as always, the more the merrier.

Hanging With the Girls
Check out a farmers market in the morning and invite your friends over for a BBQ bash. Don't be fooled: girls can BBQ with the best of them. Have all the ladies bring their favorite dish, make some refreshing, signature Summer cocktails, and be prepared to laugh your face off. There's nothing better than making a mess in the kitchen with your favorite ladies.

Married and Need a Date Night
Do some research and check out an outdoor concert you and your hubby will enjoy. Pick up some tickets for your favorite band, or maybe you're lucky enough to have a city that offers a free concert series in the park. Either way, be sure to grab some brew, vibe to good tunes, and simply enjoy each other's company before you go back to the hustle and bustle of the work week.

Having Out-of-Town Friends Over
If you're having friends come to town, chances are they're looking to check out the best of what your city has to offer. Instead of schlepping around to see the sites like a tourist, seek out a cruise! Whether it's a quick trip on the lake or a booze cruise down the river, your friends won't forget fireworks with a view.

Not in a serious relationship and stressing about the looming RSVP date on that wedding invite? Have no fear. Just follow this guide to find out who you'll be forced to babysit versus who will help you celebrate.

Five Foolish Choices

1. Your Hookup Buddy. We can take the tip from Jon Hamm's character in Bridesmaids. Do you really want to explain your "special" relationship to everyone? Or worse, do you want your buddy to explain it for you?
2. That Guy You Met Last Week. Yes, he was handsome. Yes, you had a connection. But let's take things slow. We don't want to scare off a great guy with wedding talk too soon.
3. Your Friend Without a Filter. We all know him and love him, but we cringe when he always finds the way to say the wrong thing at the worst time. He's probably not your best bet for a wedding date.
4. A Blind Date. I think we can agree that a wedding isn't ideal blind or first date territory.
5. Your Ex. Sure, you and your ex are both close with the couple. I know. He may even ask if you'll go with him, but don't be fooled. This day is a celebration of a solid relationship, not an excuse to harp on the demise of your past. Trust us; just say no.

For five foolproof options, read on.