Below are a few dating tips for the holidays from Bill Rossi, president of In Good Company.

Holidating

1. If you are single and going to a holiday party, whether it be work or with friends, lay low on the alcohol. You always want to remain in control of what you do and say.

2. When taking your fairly new dating partner to a holiday party or function, stay by their side as much as you can. Don’t leave them to fend for themselves.

3. Always introduce your fairly new dating partner without a title—it keeps any situation from turning uncomfortable. In other words, if his name is Steve, don’t qualify him by saying this is my “friend” Steve. If someone wants to know more, let them ask.

4. Before you take your fairly new dating partner to a holiday function, whether it be work or play, make sure you are both on the same page in terms of whether you are “out” or not to everyone. We don’t want any slips of the tongue that might cause disaster.

5. If you plan on taking your dating partner to a family holiday function, make sure to ask if it’s OK with others in the family. It’s always good to be prepared.

6. If you are bringing your relatively new girlfriend or boyfriend to a holiday family function, keep in mind their family background and traditions; i.e., don’t overwhelm them by throwing your only-child girlfriend into your crazy family with seven brothers and sisters and all their kids.

7. How much do you spend? Easy answer and best way to approach this situation—ask your dating partner how much they are willing to spend and agree on a limit, while keeping in mind income levels and budgetary constraints of the other person. Be respectful of each other.

8 How long should you date before taking someone home to meet the parents? Don’t worry about numbers. If you feel the time is right then do it. As long as both of you are on the same page, you shouldn’t be afraid to show people that there’s someone new in your life.

9. With holiday parties and events around the corner, don’t be afraid to go by yourself. You never know who you’ll meet.

10. If it’s a party where you’re not going to know many people ( and you just can’t bear to go alone ) , go ahead and bring along your standby friend. Make sure it’s someone who doesn’t need you by their side the whole night.

11. If you’re single, don’t let the holidays get you down. Remember that you have control over your personal life and can take a proactive approach to it.