What Is The Cuffing Season?

Every year, the weather begins to get colder and the leaves begin to change color. This is when you trade in your shorts and t-shirts for pants and heavy jackets. It’s also the time of the year between October and March when those who are single become lonely. The days begin to grow shorter, and at holiday parties, family members start asking why you are still single?

To avoid the single blues and avoid feeling lonely during the holiday season, people are desperate to be cuffed. Who knows, maybe you can even see yourself staying with this person beyond the cuffing season. So, what should you do if it is cuffing season and you find someone that you actually like? What could be signs that this person only wants you for cuffing season? We dive into this and more below.

Where Did The Term Come From?

According to the Urban Dictionary, the term popped up in 2011. It is described as a time when “people who would normally rather be single or promiscuous find themselves with the rest of the world desiring to be cuffed or tied down by a serious relationship. The cold weather and prolonged indoor activity causes singles to become lonely and desperate to be cuffed.”

Is The Cuffing Season Real?

It turns out there is actual data from dating apps and websites that show people are looking for someone more often from October — March. According to psychologists, we produce higher levels of testosterone in the fall months, and our brains produce lower levels of serotonin. Serotonin is the chemical in our brains that makes us feel happy, and a solution to feeling unhappy is companionship. This is why we are more likely to find someone during the cuffing season than during the warmer months. Through online dating, the cuffing season has been known to impact people all around the world.

5 Signs You Are Being Cuffed

• You rush into making Holiday plans.
• They only want to stay in, watch movies, and cuddle.
• All of their friends are in relationships.
• A friend for many years confesses their love for you.
• They begin to leave clothes behind and living essentials.

These are just a few signs that someone may only be looking for someone for the fall and winter months. The most effective way to tell if someone cares about you and is not just looking for a short-term relationship is communicating. It would be best if you were direct with that person and know what their intentions are. While it may seem perfect to you, asking the other person how they feel about the relationship will help you tell if they’re in it for the long run or only for the cuffing season.

Is This Season Effective In Establishing Relationships?

While cuffing season works for some, it may not work well for everyone. Desiring to be cuffed or tied down may not be for you. But on the other hand, you may want a long-term relationship, and you deserve that. I would suggest that during the winter months, people should enjoy the time with their families. Avoid someone who is only looking for someone during cuffing season, unless you genuinely believe you can see this connection as a long-term relationship. Your desire to be loved is essential. So, make sure the relationships you’re building is thoughtful and respectful, even if it’s only for the short-term.

Originally Published On Grapevine On December 27, 2019.