Have you ever noticed that you get more female attention or even find the idea of a relationship more desirable during colder months? It could be a result of cuffing season. While beautiful women constantly approaching you may be flattering, they might just want to wear you like a scarf to keep them warm and fulfill their needs until it gets warmer. As cuffing season is coming up fast, it’s good to know whether you’re being used as a piece of clothing or recognize that the relationship you crave so bad is just a phase. What Is Cuffing Season?
Cuffing season is “the period of time between October and Valentine’s Day, where single people begin looking for short-term partnerships to pass the colder months of the year,” explains Rachel DeAlto, Relationship Expert and Chief Dating Expert at Rachel DeAlto. It’s typically darker and colder, which can make singles feel more lonely and desiring companionship. “Singles are moving on from the summer months and want someone to cuff themselves to when the weather is less conducive to going out.” Sometimes the cuffing only lasts during the season, and other times they can become significant long-term relationships. Do People Openly Talk About Wanting To Be Cuffed?
So, should you be openly honest if being cuffed is what you’re looking for? It’s normal, or even expected for you to be vocal about what you’re after on a first date, but “being cuffed is more of an action and subconscious need and less of a communicated intention,” says Laurel House, Relationship Expert at eharmony. “The timing of cuffing season – just before the holiday season through just before Valentine’s Day, can make the need confusing,” as we’re not necessarily aware that we want a seasonal relationship, making it difficult, or impossible to speak up about it. “Some people might think that they want a real lasting relationship only because they fear being alone for the holidays. The emotional rush confuses them to think they want something enduring. And then after the holidays, when that need for someone to snuggle during cold celebratory nights passes, reality hits, and the day of love looms and breakups happen,” she says. All of that being said, while daters might not specifically say that they’re looking to get cuffed, they might say that they’re looking for something casual or serious. House explains that some daters might think they’re looking for something casual, but later realize they’re seriously interested in the person they’re dating. On the flip side, some serious-seeking daters who can’t find that person who they want to get serious with will stay casual until that special someone comes along. “Instead of saying that you’re looking for something casual or serious right now, clearly communicate your long term needs” because what we want in the heat of the moment can change, while long term desires are more likely to stick around. How Do You Know Whether a Woman Really Likes You or Just Really Likes the Idea of Being Cuffed Up?
Since you learned what cuffing season is, you may want to run a mile whenever a woman approaches you during this time of year, but then you risk running away from something real. There are a few signs you can look out for to know whether she’s really into you or just a body to keep her warm in colder months. “If she is more concerned about having you on her arm at holiday parties and to snuggle up on cold nights, but any talk of real emotions freak her out, she might be more interested in being cuffed than working towards falling in love,” says House. Does she avoid deep conversations? Does she wince when you bring up a long-term commitment? Is she hesitant to make future plans like travel or activities? Does she prefer to focus only on the now and is avoidant when it comes to adjoined goals? If the answer is yes to one or more of these questions, she’s probably looking to be cuffed. If you’re still unsure, don’t be afraid to have a real and direct conversation about feelings, intentions, and goals so you can have clarity about what you’re in for. This type of “conversation creates clarity and clarity creates confidence,” she says.
See more about - 25 Essential Pieces Of Dating Advice For Men
Why Do People Want To Get Cuffed?
They Want Something Stable “One reason people get cuffed as the weather gets colder is that they’re looking for consistency,” says Canwen Xu, In-house Dating Expert and Product Marketer at Iris Dating App. And nothing is more inconsistent than the weather thanks to global warming. The late fall and winter months can be tough. “Shorter days may cause seasonal affective disorder. Having someone you can always turn to when you’re having a down day can be a reason to more or less settle down with that person you’ve been seeing through the summer.” They Don’t Want To Go Out on Dates Let’s face it, dating in winter sucks. Date outfits have to match a jacket, there are not as many activities to do, and you’ve put on weight during the holidays which makes finding a matching jacket even harder. “Getting cuffed is an easy way to still have some romance in your life without having to go out and constantly meet new people since it becomes less convenient,” says Xu. That doesn’t mean people who get cuffed don’t necessarily like one other, but they might feel less FOMO about meeting new people. They Don’t Want To Get COVID-19 “Some might choose to get cuffed this time of the year to decrease their chances of getting the delta variant,” says Xu. If you’re frequently meeting new people and going out to social gatherings, you increase your chance of running into someone who’s carrying COVID, which can be a seriously scary thought for some of us. “Getting cuffed to one particular person means you’re exposing yourself to fewer new people, which decreases your potential exposure to the pandemic.” They Want Someone To Introduce to Their Family We’re all familiar with getting quizzed at family gatherings about our love life (or lack of). Questions like “when are you getting married?” “Are you seeing anyone?” “Why not?” get thrown our way as soon as we walk through the door. “Anyone ages 18 and up knows they must be prepared to answer these questions from nosy relatives during the holiday season,” says Xu. Some people might get cuffed so they have a regular plus one to take to family events and get everyone off their back, or at least talk about to their family when they get pestered about it to avoid the pitiful stares and condescending statements. Coming back from a family weekend can trick even the happiest of singles into wanting a relationship.
See more about - The 10 Best Dating Apps For Men In 2021
How Do You Know Whether You’re in a Real Relationship or Just Cuffed?
There’s Been Talk of the Future Making plans outside of cuffing season is always a good sign. “They talk about what they want out of life and how you fit into their plan. Similarly, they ask you what you want out of life and consider whether they fit into that vision,” says Xu. “They take these differences and similarities seriously, and don’t just throw it aside as something that’s not important.” Talk of the future needs to be equal, not just you mentioning a commitment in six months time, like your sister’s wedding, and have them say they’ll be there. Some people may panic under pressure and agree to join you even if they have no intention of going whatsoever. Make sure they make the first move every once in a while. If they mention the future without being provoked, you’re more likely to be in a real relationship. They Put a Label on Your Relationship Xu explains that there’s a difference between being exclusive and explicitly putting a label on things. Being exclusive just means that they don’t want you to see anyone else and vice versa. If you’re cuffed, they won’t have any desire to take it further than exclusivity. This is more than enough for the seasonal relationship. “But putting a label on things has a greater sense of permanence. It’s making a commitment, albeit mostly in name, to each other that you guys are something.” Not just two people hanging out, but two people who are interested enough to mark this relationship as something official in their lives. It’s Not Just Physical “Cuffing season evokes images of cuddling and watching movies under a blanket during a blizzard,” says Xu. “But a relationship requires more than just staying in bed all day. There’s an emotional connection in addition to a physical one.” Think about where you spend most of your time together. But staying at home most of the time isn’t a total no-go for a real relationship when it’s cold outside, it all comes down to what you’re actually doing at home. Are you under the sheets the entire time or are you learning to cook a new recipe together for an at-home date night? If you’re both looking for new and exciting ways to get you out of bed, it’s probably more than just a cuffing season fling. They Care About Whether You Get Along With Their Friends and Family It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t care what their friends and family think of the person they’re dating if they see a future with them. You want to be able to bring your other half to social events without causing drama or being asked whether you’re still dating them, only to be met with a fake smile when you say yes. If they care about you enough they’ll most likely want the people close to them to like you as much as they do. “In a relationship, it’s not enough that they let you meet their friends and family, but that they take these interactions seriously,” says Xu. “If you casually meet their friend at a house party your person is throwing, and the friend seems to have no idea who you are ahead of time, that points to being cuffed rather than being in a relationship.” How Do You End the Seasonal Relationship?
House says to ask yourself “what do you truly need in a relationship? Where are you at during this time of your life?” If you’re ready to end your relationship once the season comes to an end, it’s most likely a result of cuffing season and can’t be sustained outside of these dates. But it’s important to clarify whether your desire to end it is a phase, or if the relationship itself was the phase. This isn’t something you want to act impulsively on. Think about what needs out of your needs aren’t being met and if there’s any way that it can be. “Before ending it, have a needs-conversation where you talk about your individual needs, where they come together, and what’s missing,” says House. If you discover that your relationship was just a seasonal thing and it’s time to move on, instead of making up an excuse, it’s best to be honest about entering a new phase (or season) of your life that requires you to be single. The truth may hurt your partner at the moment but not getting closure will hurt a hell of a lot more.
See more about - Is She the One? How To Know If You’ve Found Your Forever Partner
Have you ever noticed that you get more female attention or even find the idea of a relationship more desirable during colder months? It could be a result of cuffing season. While beautiful women constantly approaching you may be flattering, they might just want to wear you like a scarf to keep them warm and fulfill their needs until it gets warmer. As cuffing season is coming up fast, it’s good to know whether you’re being used as a piece of clothing or recognize that the relationship you crave so bad is just a phase. What Is Cuffing Season?
Cuffing season is “the period of time between October and Valentine’s Day, where single people begin looking for short-term partnerships to pass the colder months of the year,” explains Rachel DeAlto, Relationship Expert and Chief Dating Expert at Rachel DeAlto. It’s typically darker and colder, which can make singles feel more lonely and desiring companionship. “Singles are moving on from the summer months and want someone to cuff themselves to when the weather is less conducive to going out.” Sometimes the cuffing only lasts during the season, and other times they can become significant long-term relationships. Do People Openly Talk About Wanting To Be Cuffed?
So, should you be openly honest if being cuffed is what you’re looking for? It’s normal, or even expected for you to be vocal about what you’re after on a first date, but “being cuffed is more of an action and subconscious need and less of a communicated intention,” says Laurel House, Relationship Expert at eharmony. “The timing of cuffing season – just before the holiday season through just before Valentine’s Day, can make the need confusing,” as we’re not necessarily aware that we want a seasonal relationship, making it difficult, or impossible to speak up about it. “Some people might think that they want a real lasting relationship only because they fear being alone for the holidays. The emotional rush confuses them to think they want something enduring. And then after the holidays, when that need for someone to snuggle during cold celebratory nights passes, reality hits, and the day of love looms and breakups happen,” she says. All of that being said, while daters might not specifically say that they’re looking to get cuffed, they might say that they’re looking for something casual or serious. House explains that some daters might think they’re looking for something casual, but later realize they’re seriously interested in the person they’re dating. On the flip side, some serious-seeking daters who can’t find that person who they want to get serious with will stay casual until that special someone comes along. “Instead of saying that you’re looking for something casual or serious right now, clearly communicate your long term needs” because what we want in the heat of the moment can change, while long term desires are more likely to stick around. How Do You Know Whether a Woman Really Likes You or Just Really Likes the Idea of Being Cuffed Up?
Since you learned what cuffing season is, you may want to run a mile whenever a woman approaches you during this time of year, but then you risk running away from something real. There are a few signs you can look out for to know whether she’s really into you or just a body to keep her warm in colder months. “If she is more concerned about having you on her arm at holiday parties and to snuggle up on cold nights, but any talk of real emotions freak her out, she might be more interested in being cuffed than working towards falling in love,” says House. Does she avoid deep conversations? Does she wince when you bring up a long-term commitment? Is she hesitant to make future plans like travel or activities? Does she prefer to focus only on the now and is avoidant when it comes to adjoined goals? If the answer is yes to one or more of these questions, she’s probably looking to be cuffed. If you’re still unsure, don’t be afraid to have a real and direct conversation about feelings, intentions, and goals so you can have clarity about what you’re in for. This type of “conversation creates clarity and clarity creates confidence,” she says.
See more about - 25 Essential Pieces Of Dating Advice For Men
Why Do People Want To Get Cuffed?
They Want Something Stable “One reason people get cuffed as the weather gets colder is that they’re looking for consistency,” says Canwen Xu, In-house Dating Expert and Product Marketer at Iris Dating App. And nothing is more inconsistent than the weather thanks to global warming. The late fall and winter months can be tough. “Shorter days may cause seasonal affective disorder. Having someone you can always turn to when you’re having a down day can be a reason to more or less settle down with that person you’ve been seeing through the summer.” They Don’t Want To Go Out on Dates Let’s face it, dating in winter sucks. Date outfits have to match a jacket, there are not as many activities to do, and you’ve put on weight during the holidays which makes finding a matching jacket even harder. “Getting cuffed is an easy way to still have some romance in your life without having to go out and constantly meet new people since it becomes less convenient,” says Xu. That doesn’t mean people who get cuffed don’t necessarily like one other, but they might feel less FOMO about meeting new people. They Don’t Want To Get COVID-19 “Some might choose to get cuffed this time of the year to decrease their chances of getting the delta variant,” says Xu. If you’re frequently meeting new people and going out to social gatherings, you increase your chance of running into someone who’s carrying COVID, which can be a seriously scary thought for some of us. “Getting cuffed to one particular person means you’re exposing yourself to fewer new people, which decreases your potential exposure to the pandemic.” They Want Someone To Introduce to Their Family We’re all familiar with getting quizzed at family gatherings about our love life (or lack of). Questions like “when are you getting married?” “Are you seeing anyone?” “Why not?” get thrown our way as soon as we walk through the door. “Anyone ages 18 and up knows they must be prepared to answer these questions from nosy relatives during the holiday season,” says Xu. Some people might get cuffed so they have a regular plus one to take to family events and get everyone off their back, or at least talk about to their family when they get pestered about it to avoid the pitiful stares and condescending statements. Coming back from a family weekend can trick even the happiest of singles into wanting a relationship.
See more about - The 10 Best Dating Apps For Men In 2021
How Do You Know Whether You’re in a Real Relationship or Just Cuffed?
There’s Been Talk of the Future Making plans outside of cuffing season is always a good sign. “They talk about what they want out of life and how you fit into their plan. Similarly, they ask you what you want out of life and consider whether they fit into that vision,” says Xu. “They take these differences and similarities seriously, and don’t just throw it aside as something that’s not important.” Talk of the future needs to be equal, not just you mentioning a commitment in six months time, like your sister’s wedding, and have them say they’ll be there. Some people may panic under pressure and agree to join you even if they have no intention of going whatsoever. Make sure they make the first move every once in a while. If they mention the future without being provoked, you’re more likely to be in a real relationship. They Put a Label on Your Relationship Xu explains that there’s a difference between being exclusive and explicitly putting a label on things. Being exclusive just means that they don’t want you to see anyone else and vice versa. If you’re cuffed, they won’t have any desire to take it further than exclusivity. This is more than enough for the seasonal relationship. “But putting a label on things has a greater sense of permanence. It’s making a commitment, albeit mostly in name, to each other that you guys are something.” Not just two people hanging out, but two people who are interested enough to mark this relationship as something official in their lives. It’s Not Just Physical “Cuffing season evokes images of cuddling and watching movies under a blanket during a blizzard,” says Xu. “But a relationship requires more than just staying in bed all day. There’s an emotional connection in addition to a physical one.” Think about where you spend most of your time together. But staying at home most of the time isn’t a total no-go for a real relationship when it’s cold outside, it all comes down to what you’re actually doing at home. Are you under the sheets the entire time or are you learning to cook a new recipe together for an at-home date night? If you’re both looking for new and exciting ways to get you out of bed, it’s probably more than just a cuffing season fling. They Care About Whether You Get Along With Their Friends and Family It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t care what their friends and family think of the person they’re dating if they see a future with them. You want to be able to bring your other half to social events without causing drama or being asked whether you’re still dating them, only to be met with a fake smile when you say yes. If they care about you enough they’ll most likely want the people close to them to like you as much as they do. “In a relationship, it’s not enough that they let you meet their friends and family, but that they take these interactions seriously,” says Xu. “If you casually meet their friend at a house party your person is throwing, and the friend seems to have no idea who you are ahead of time, that points to being cuffed rather than being in a relationship.” How Do You End the Seasonal Relationship?
House says to ask yourself “what do you truly need in a relationship? Where are you at during this time of your life?” If you’re ready to end your relationship once the season comes to an end, it’s most likely a result of cuffing season and can’t be sustained outside of these dates. But it’s important to clarify whether your desire to end it is a phase, or if the relationship itself was the phase. This isn’t something you want to act impulsively on. Think about what needs out of your needs aren’t being met and if there’s any way that it can be. “Before ending it, have a needs-conversation where you talk about your individual needs, where they come together, and what’s missing,” says House. If you discover that your relationship was just a seasonal thing and it’s time to move on, instead of making up an excuse, it’s best to be honest about entering a new phase (or season) of your life that requires you to be single. The truth may hurt your partner at the moment but not getting closure will hurt a hell of a lot more.
See more about - Is She the One? How To Know If You’ve Found Your Forever Partner
Have you ever noticed that you get more female attention or even find the idea of a relationship more desirable during colder months? It could be a result of cuffing season. While beautiful women constantly approaching you may be flattering, they might just want to wear you like a scarf to keep them warm and fulfill their needs until it gets warmer. As cuffing season is coming up fast, it’s good to know whether you’re being used as a piece of clothing or recognize that the relationship you crave so bad is just a phase.
What Is Cuffing Season?
Cuffing season is “the period of time between October and Valentine’s Day, where single people begin looking for short-term partnerships to pass the colder months of the year,” explains Rachel DeAlto, Relationship Expert and Chief Dating Expert at Rachel DeAlto. It’s typically darker and colder, which can make singles feel more lonely and desiring companionship.
“Singles are moving on from the summer months and want someone to cuff themselves to when the weather is less conducive to going out.” Sometimes the cuffing only lasts during the season, and other times they can become significant long-term relationships.
Do People Openly Talk About Wanting To Be Cuffed?
So, should you be openly honest if being cuffed is what you’re looking for? It’s normal, or even expected for you to be vocal about what you’re after on a first date, but “being cuffed is more of an action and subconscious need and less of a communicated intention,” says Laurel House, Relationship Expert at eharmony. “The timing of cuffing season – just before the holiday season through just before Valentine’s Day, can make the need confusing,” as we’re not necessarily aware that we want a seasonal relationship, making it difficult, or impossible to speak up about it.
“Some people might think that they want a real lasting relationship only because they fear being alone for the holidays. The emotional rush confuses them to think they want something enduring. And then after the holidays, when that need for someone to snuggle during cold celebratory nights passes, reality hits, and the day of love looms and breakups happen,” she says.
All of that being said, while daters might not specifically say that they’re looking to get cuffed, they might say that they’re looking for something casual or serious. House explains that some daters might think they’re looking for something casual, but later realize they’re seriously interested in the person they’re dating.
On the flip side, some serious-seeking daters who can’t find that person who they want to get serious with will stay casual until that special someone comes along. “Instead of saying that you’re looking for something casual or serious right now, clearly communicate your long term needs” because what we want in the heat of the moment can change, while long term desires are more likely to stick around.
How Do You Know Whether a Woman Really Likes You or Just Really Likes the Idea of Being Cuffed Up?
Since you learned what cuffing season is, you may want to run a mile whenever a woman approaches you during this time of year, but then you risk running away from something real. There are a few signs you can look out for to know whether she’s really into you or just a body to keep her warm in colder months.
“If she is more concerned about having you on her arm at holiday parties and to snuggle up on cold nights, but any talk of real emotions freak her out, she might be more interested in being cuffed than working towards falling in love,” says House. Does she avoid deep conversations? Does she wince when you bring up a long-term commitment? Is she hesitant to make future plans like travel or activities? Does she prefer to focus only on the now and is avoidant when it comes to adjoined goals? If the answer is yes to one or more of these questions, she’s probably looking to be cuffed.
If you’re still unsure, don’t be afraid to have a real and direct conversation about feelings, intentions, and goals so you can have clarity about what you’re in for. This type of “conversation creates clarity and clarity creates confidence,” she says.
See more about - 25 Essential Pieces Of Dating Advice For Men
Why Do People Want To Get Cuffed?
See more about - 25 Essential Pieces Of Dating Advice For Men
They Want Something Stable
“One reason people get cuffed as the weather gets colder is that they’re looking for consistency,” says Canwen Xu, In-house Dating Expert and Product Marketer at Iris Dating App. And nothing is more inconsistent than the weather thanks to global warming.
The late fall and winter months can be tough. “Shorter days may cause seasonal affective disorder. Having someone you can always turn to when you’re having a down day can be a reason to more or less settle down with that person you’ve been seeing through the summer.”
They Don’t Want To Go Out on Dates
Let’s face it, dating in winter sucks. Date outfits have to match a jacket, there are not as many activities to do, and you’ve put on weight during the holidays which makes finding a matching jacket even harder.
“Getting cuffed is an easy way to still have some romance in your life without having to go out and constantly meet new people since it becomes less convenient,” says Xu. That doesn’t mean people who get cuffed don’t necessarily like one other, but they might feel less FOMO about meeting new people.
They Don’t Want To Get COVID-19
“Some might choose to get cuffed this time of the year to decrease their chances of getting the delta variant,” says Xu. If you’re frequently meeting new people and going out to social gatherings, you increase your chance of running into someone who’s carrying COVID, which can be a seriously scary thought for some of us. “Getting cuffed to one particular person means you’re exposing yourself to fewer new people, which decreases your potential exposure to the pandemic.”
They Want Someone To Introduce to Their Family
We’re all familiar with getting quizzed at family gatherings about our love life (or lack of). Questions like “when are you getting married?” “Are you seeing anyone?” “Why not?” get thrown our way as soon as we walk through the door. “Anyone ages 18 and up knows they must be prepared to answer these questions from nosy relatives during the holiday season,” says Xu.
Some people might get cuffed so they have a regular plus one to take to family events and get everyone off their back, or at least talk about to their family when they get pestered about it to avoid the pitiful stares and condescending statements. Coming back from a family weekend can trick even the happiest of singles into wanting a relationship.
See more about - The 10 Best Dating Apps For Men In 2021
How Do You Know Whether You’re in a Real Relationship or Just Cuffed?
See more about - The 10 Best Dating Apps For Men In 2021
There’s Been Talk of the Future
Making plans outside of cuffing season is always a good sign. “They talk about what they want out of life and how you fit into their plan. Similarly, they ask you what you want out of life and consider whether they fit into that vision,” says Xu. “They take these differences and similarities seriously, and don’t just throw it aside as something that’s not important.”
Talk of the future needs to be equal, not just you mentioning a commitment in six months time, like your sister’s wedding, and have them say they’ll be there. Some people may panic under pressure and agree to join you even if they have no intention of going whatsoever. Make sure they make the first move every once in a while. If they mention the future without being provoked, you’re more likely to be in a real relationship.
They Put a Label on Your Relationship
Xu explains that there’s a difference between being exclusive and explicitly putting a label on things. Being exclusive just means that they don’t want you to see anyone else and vice versa. If you’re cuffed, they won’t have any desire to take it further than exclusivity. This is more than enough for the seasonal relationship.
“But putting a label on things has a greater sense of permanence. It’s making a commitment, albeit mostly in name, to each other that you guys are something.” Not just two people hanging out, but two people who are interested enough to mark this relationship as something official in their lives.
It’s Not Just Physical
“Cuffing season evokes images of cuddling and watching movies under a blanket during a blizzard,” says Xu. “But a relationship requires more than just staying in bed all day. There’s an emotional connection in addition to a physical one.” Think about where you spend most of your time together. But staying at home most of the time isn’t a total no-go for a real relationship when it’s cold outside, it all comes down to what you’re actually doing at home.
Are you under the sheets the entire time or are you learning to cook a new recipe together for an at-home date night? If you’re both looking for new and exciting ways to get you out of bed, it’s probably more than just a cuffing season fling.
They Care About Whether You Get Along With Their Friends and Family
It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t care what their friends and family think of the person they’re dating if they see a future with them. You want to be able to bring your other half to social events without causing drama or being asked whether you’re still dating them, only to be met with a fake smile when you say yes. If they care about you enough they’ll most likely want the people close to them to like you as much as they do.
“In a relationship, it’s not enough that they let you meet their friends and family, but that they take these interactions seriously,” says Xu. “If you casually meet their friend at a house party your person is throwing, and the friend seems to have no idea who you are ahead of time, that points to being cuffed rather than being in a relationship.”
How Do You End the Seasonal Relationship?
House says to ask yourself “what do you truly need in a relationship? Where are you at during this time of your life?” If you’re ready to end your relationship once the season comes to an end, it’s most likely a result of cuffing season and can’t be sustained outside of these dates. But it’s important to clarify whether your desire to end it is a phase, or if the relationship itself was the phase. This isn’t something you want to act impulsively on.
Think about what needs out of your needs aren’t being met and if there’s any way that it can be. “Before ending it, have a needs-conversation where you talk about your individual needs, where they come together, and what’s missing,” says House.
If you discover that your relationship was just a seasonal thing and it’s time to move on, instead of making up an excuse, it’s best to be honest about entering a new phase (or season) of your life that requires you to be single. The truth may hurt your partner at the moment but not getting closure will hurt a hell of a lot more.
See more about - Is She the One? How To Know If You’ve Found Your Forever Partner
See more about - Is She the One? How To Know If You’ve Found Your Forever Partner
