It’s getting colder and that can mean only one thing: cuffing season is upon us! But what exactly is cuffing season? And when does it begin?
If you’re looking to learn more about this cold-weather dating trend, don’t fear—we’ve got you covered. In this post, we cover what cuffing season actually is, when it starts, the benefits, the challenges, and how to best navigate it. We also share some winter dates ideas for if you’re experiencing a cuffing season romance.
What is cuffing season?
Cuffing season is a term used to describe the period of time when people tend to look for a partner in an effort to avoid being lonely during the cold winter months. It’s a time when people are more likely to “cuff,” or become exclusive with, someone they’re dating.
The term was first used in urban slang, and it’s believed to have originated in the early 2010s.
When does cuffing season begin?
When cuffing season begins depends on where you are in the world due to its connection with the weather. If you’re based in the US or the UK, for example, cuffing season typically begins in September or October when the temperatures start to drop, and people are looking for someone to keep them warm at night. It then continues through the winter months until March or April, when spring arrives.
However, some people argue that cuffing season can start as early as August when summer comes to an end, and people are no longer spending as much time outdoors or socializing.
Benefits of cuffing season
Cuffing season has its benefits. So, let’s take a look at them first.
1. Winter encourages you to slow down. When you’re working and then rushing around seeing friends in the summer months, you run the risk of not giving a relationship the attention it needs to progress into something that could be incredible. Ultimately, you often have more time to get to date and get to know potential partners.
2. You can save money. Dating during cuffing season tends to be cheaper than dating in the summer months. Instead of going out to restaurants, visiting bars, or doing various activities, you can save money by enjoying cozy nights at home. This can be great if you’re on a budget.
3. You can have a lot of fun. Whether your idea of fun is a purely sexual relationship or something involving emotional intimacy too, cuffing season is a great opportunity to embrace human connection and enjoy yourself! And if you follow our tips below, you’ll set yourself up well for a fulfilling, enjoyable cuffing season.
Challenges of cuffing season
But it’s not all rainbows and sunshine when it comes to cuffing season. Here are some of the challenges you might come across.
1. There are fewer potential date activities. One of the challenges that you can face when dating in the winter months is the fact that there are fewer activities to do together. In the summer, there are many outdoor date activities, such as hiking, biking, and swimming. But in the winter, most of these activities aren’t possible. This can lead to couples spending more time indoors, which doesn’t feel as novel or exciting for some people.
2. The lack of sunlight can bring down your mood. Another challenge that couples can face in the winter is the impact that the colder weather and less sunlight can have on their mood. It can make people feel lethargic and less motivated. Some people suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), which can significantly impact their mood. This can mean that couples aren’t always in the best mindset to connect with each other.
3. The weather can impact your sex drive. The cold weather can also mean that people aren’t in the mood to have sex as often. Wearing two tops and three jumpers isn’t the sexiest vibe. And if someone asks you to take off these layers when it’s freezing outside, you might not jump at that opportunity.
How to navigate cuffing season
Navigating cuffing season has its nuances, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are our top tips for making the most of cuffing season.
1. Work out what you’re looking for. Cuffing season can also be a great opportunity to reflect on your life in general, and what you’re looking for in a relationship. Are you looking for something serious? Or are you just happy to have some fun and enjoy yourself? The first step to navigating cuffing season in the best possible way is to get clear on what you want.
2. Be open about your expectations. The most important point to remember when navigating cuffing season is that you should check that you’re both on the same page. You can end up getting hurt if you are deeply invested in the relationship but your partner just wants a companion for the winter months. It’s essential to maintain a continuous, open dialogue so that each person knows where they stand. Feelings change over time so having one conversation about your expectations at the beginning just isn’t enough.
3. Don’t use a partner to fill a void. Another point to consider is that while desiring connection is natural, you shouldn’t be using a relationship to fill a void in your life, whatever time of the year it is. If you are fundamentally unhappy, particularly during the winter months, make changes to your life or seek help.
How dating during cuffing season can strengthen your bond
Dating during the colder months can actually be a great opportunity to strengthen your bond and build something that lasts beyond the winter months. As always, communication is key, but there are certain aspects of cuffing season that can encourage a deep connection.
For starters, you can get cozy together which is a great way of strengthening a bond. Making hot cocoa and cuddling up on the couch together is simple but it can help to build intimacy. It’s a different kind of fun to summer dates, a calmer and more comfortable type of fun, but it can be equally as fulfilling.
Additionally, winter is a time when people tend to spend more time with friends and family, so couples can use this time to get to know each other’s loved ones.
Integrating into each other’s lives is an important part of moving a relationship forward and maintaining a feeling of momentum. Getting to know your partner’s friends and family can also enable you to understand your partner themselves on a deeper level as it gives you a more multi-dimensional perspective of what they are like as a person.
Finally, you have the potential to build lasting memories. Cuffing season brings with it a unique atmosphere of coziness, romance, and fun. So if you manage to make the most of it, you can create memories of joyful experiences.
Can cuffing season relationships last?
If you’re in the midst of a cuffing season romance, you might be wondering if your relationship will have a future. Ultimately, some cuffing season romances only last the winter, while others turn into something more serious and long-term. It just depends on the situation and how it’s navigated. If you are trying to figure out if your feelings are fleeting, you can read our post about love vs lust.
While there are some nuances around dating during cuffing season, you should navigate it in the same way that you would at any time of the year.
The same goes for ‘uncuffing’. If you decide that the relationship isn’t working out, you should treat it like a normal breakup. The time of the year doesn’t change the fact that you should go about getting out of a relationship in an ethical, kind, and respectful manner.
Best date ideas for cuffing season
If you’re entering into a cuffing season romance and looking for date ideas, here are some ideas to inspire you.
1. Have a bake-off.
See who can make the best cookies or pies. It’s the perfect opportunity to show off your baking skills and you’ll get to eat some tasty treats at the end. Win-win!
2. Go ice skating.
This is a classic winter date idea that can be romantic or fun, depending on how you approach it and depending on your balancing skills! Sure, it’s not the most original winter date, but there’s a reason why it’s so popular.
3. Cuddle up and watch movies.
Cuffing season is the perfect excuse to grab a few blankets, make some popcorn, and cozy up on the couch. Add a rom-com or a holiday movie to the mix and you’ve got yourself a great night in.
4. Build a gingerbread house.
This is a great way to get creative and have some festive fun. It’s also a good opportunity to eat some delicious gingerbread.
5. Do a Christmas lights tour.
Cuddle up together while seeing some amazing Christmas displays. It’s the perfect date idea to get you into the holiday spirit.
6. Go sledding.
Not only is sledding the perfect way to connect over fun and laughter, but it’s also good exercise. This is a slightly more adventurous winter date idea for those who aren’t afraid to try something new.
7. Have a picnic in front of the fire.
If it’s too cold outside to venture out, you can always have a cute indoor picnic. Cuddle up in front of the fire with some sandwiches and hot chocolate.
Final thoughts about cuffing season
Cuffing season can be a fun way to spend time with someone. So if you’re single and ready to mingle in these colder months, remember that you’re not alone—lots of other people are looking for love (or just a fling) too.
If you follow our tips for navigating cuffing season and you approach it in a mindful way, you’ll be well on your way to making the most out of this unique time of year.
So grab your coat, hat, and gloves, and get ready for cuffing season. Your Mark Darcy equivalent might be only one mulled wine away. Happy cuffing season!
