There are many people around the world who say that they are having fun being single during the summer. That is because there are parties everywhere, by the pool or on rooftops, there are endless possibilities to go on road trips with friends and family and so many others. And honestly, who doesn’t want to go on dates when the weather is nice and warm, the clothes are lighter and the skin is darker!

During that time, you can almost feel a carefree vibe in the air. Too bad that this free spirit ends its period of fun when the weather changes. When the weather is getting colder, many single people start looking for somebody to share their time with: a partner. That is because a lot of people feel the need to cuddle in bed and watch a movie with someone they like, especially when it’s cold and snowing.

And of course, the best part of having a partner is having someone to spend the holidays with. And that, my friends, is what we call cuffing season.

But what exactly is cuffing season and how can we get rid of it? Keep reading to find out!

What is cuffing season?

Cuffing season is when single people, who are happy and joyful around the summer, and who also have fun dating, start looking for something more meaningful when the cold weather occurs. They want to find a special person to spend the colder months with. For some of them, these relationships last only for the winter season, while others can completely fall in love with each other and maintain relationships.

We wanted to understand cuffing season better, so we spoke to Amie Leadingham, who is a relationship expert. According to her, the name of this phenomenon comes from some people’s strong desire to be “cuffed” (handcuffed) by a serious relationship.

When is it cuffing season? 

We have previously established that cuffing season makes its appearance when the weather gets colder, the day shorter, and the desire to get comfy on the couch with someone gets stronger.

Each person has a different reason they are looking for a relationship when winter hits. Some of them don’t like it when it’s too cold and snowy outside, and they prefer to stay inside of their own comfy homes. But why stay all alone, when you can hug someone you feel close to?

For others, cuffing season begins before the holidays, so they have someone to share them with. In warmer climates, this season can start a little bit later, while in colder climates it might get an early headstart. 

In conformity with Amie Leadingham, it is believed that cuffing season can last from October to Valentine’s Day. After the day when people are celebrating their love and they give each other gifts, it usually starts to get warm again. This is why many couples tend to go their ways and prepare to be single, free, and happy by themselves again. Some of them realize they are better off together, but cases like this are quite rare.

Tips for finding a partner 

• start early – if the only reason you are looking for someone is to spend the winter with, not the rest of your life, you still need to find someone you are attracted to. You will be with them for a few months, and given the fact that it’s cold outside, you will spend a lot of time together. And if you want to make sure to enjoy these couple of months, make sure you go on several dates, to find out what you like… or not. It is believed that many people start their searching seriously just after Labor Day.
• be happy with your choices – according to Amie Leadingham, there are many people out there, who are looking for a partner, just like you. Don’t be afraid to swipe through dating apps, such as Tinder, Bumble, or Hinge. Also, make sure you say yes to parties, events, and even consider joining sports leagues. Who knows who you’ll end up finding?.
• do the work – just because you are looking for a partner, it doesn’t mean that they will knock on your door on the first day of winter. You have to make yourself emotionally and physically attractive and available. As our relationship expert says, confidence is key when it comes to finding a partner during cuffing season. She added that you need to take care of yourself first because all comes from within. Like attracts like, so take some time for yourself!
• don’t forget about the smart questions – I can’t stress this enough, but make sure you set your desires and expectations from the beginning! You might be looking for a short-term partner, but not everyone does the same. In order to not get disappointed, you should talk about every little detail with your future partner. This means questions like “What are you looking for right now?”, “What do you expect from your partner?” etc.

The next topic is for people who are not looking for a partner for the cold season but are willing to get over this quite harder period of time…

Can you get over it? 

If you don’t want to rush into a relationship and find a partner to enjoy the winter months with, I have some tips for you!

• wait – when people are feeling a little blue and tired of being all by themselves, they are more likely going to say “yes” to a relationship that may not be that good for them.
• you are not alone – according to a therapist named Cynthia Catchings, it is believed that the winter months and the darker days make our hormones go crazy. For example, she said that when hormones are a little messed up, they create changes in our brains, which make us feel sad and tired. Having someone special we can count on can motivate and re-energize us. This is why people tend to get involved in relationships when it’s cold outside.
• you are the most important – a lot of relationship experts and therapists say that in order to have a happy and healthy relationship, you have to start by loving yourself first. This means taking care of yourself, listening to your mind and thoughts, and making sure you know yourself. After being comfortable with yourself, you are more likely to know what you want. If you are not happy with yourself, you are going to keep looking for people to make you feel good, but it’s not good for you in the long run.
• to settle or not settle? – this is a no-brainer, but just like we’ve said in our previous tip, you shouldn’t settle for anything that doesn’t make you happy, even if it is just for a short period of time, like the cuffing season. There is no excuse for bad behavior and or making somebody feel awful, so make sure you know the person you are going to be with.
• do you feel empty and alone? – you don’t need someone to make you feel happy during the winter season: you have several holidays to be happy about. You are free to do whatever you want. So read, travel, go on festive dates, plan parties, spend time with your friends and family and have fun!

TAKEAWAY 

What do you think about cuffing season? Have you ever heard of it? If yes, in which category would you place yourself in: with people who are looking for a partner to spend the cold season with, or with those who don’t care about winter and want to have fun by themselves?

Don’t forget to share this with us, by leaving your thoughts in the comments section down below!

Cuffing season or not, I wish you all a happy winter!