People like to freak out when a new year is about to begin. Some of them even like to make use of that famous phrase that I love to hate; New Year, new me. They start threatening to end friendships.

They promise that the New Year is going to be better than the previous year. They set deadlines and make pointless resolutions.

Okay, I will admit that resolutions aren’t always pointless. I mean, I have a friend that was determined not to get out of 2015 without a ring on her finger. And through ultimatums and threats and strikes, her wish was granted three weeks ago. I will give credit where it’s due.

Still, I like to look on and judge and roll my eyes at human beings as they make a farce about the fact that 365 days are done and we’re onto the next. You’d think that by now, they would have learnt that there is nothing special about one year ending and another beginning. It’s just the clock of time moving forward as always.

I for one have never heard of or seen some outrageous change that came with a new year. I have never seen the moon suddenly turn green. I have never seen the dead rise again. I have never seen the clock of time go up to 25 hours a day as opposed to the usual 24.

Nothing changes. It really isn’t that big of a deal. I remember being young and reading in a newspaper about people who were duped into selling their property because supposedly, there would be no life after 1999. The world was supposedly ending. Well, the world did end for them; they were burnt alive. May their souls rest in peace.

May those that are left behind learn to appreciate not just entering a new year but beginning each day. Because I honestly don’t understand why people remember to thank the man upstairs for sustenance only on New Year’s eve. On any given day, it is a miracle to be alive.

Nonetheless, to avoid being the part-pooper, I watched fireworks at midnight. And maybe I was hypnotized by the bright lights. Or maybe it’s because deep down I really am a hypocrite. I screamed "Happy new year!” before secretly making wishes and promises.

I wished for a good year because if I’m being honest, 2015 was quite a letdown. Sure, there were some remarkable things. But that 2015 was the year that among other things, my douchebag of an ex-boyfriend got married and rubbed it in my face is unsettling.

So I promised myself to have no ex this year. I have, in the past, been accommodative and even forgiving but this year, anything that has no clear end has to be nipped in the bud.

In short, I will not be entertaining directionless flings this year. This is therefore a gentle appeal to the males who intend to approach me for flirtations and fun without an end in mind to try their talents elsewhere.