In autumn, you may notice a strange phenomenon. As the temperature starts to drop, more people are pairing up, staying inside and spending time together. Well, this trend has a name: Cuffing Season.
The story of Cuffing Season
The term first appeared in Urban Dictionary more than 10 years ago. Here is the top definition:
“During the Fall and Winter months, people who would normally prefer to be single or unattached find themselves along with the rest of the world wishing to be handcuffed or tied down by a serious relationship. Cold weather and prolonged indoor activity make singles lonely and desperate to be cuffed.”
It’s not officially in a legal dictionary, though Merriam-Webster has it on a list of “words we watch”. Some experts have also expressed doubts about whether or not there is any science behind the cuffing era, but people seem to agree. When it’s colder outside, it’s nice to have someone to cuddle up with inside.
Let’s look at the facts
As serotonin levels drop with temperature, this triggers the desire to have someone close to you. Plus, as these temperatures drop, we’re less likely to go out and meet new people. That’s why the warmer autumn months are the best time to find a partner. In fact, Facebook has studies who find more relationships start in the fall and end in May.
Studies also show the reasons why Cuffing Season is so popular. For example, a this study shows that social exclusion makes us feel cold and then crave hot food and drinks. Recent study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that being cold leads to an increased preference for romantic movies. So when you’re cold and watching sappy movies, it can be nice to have someone there to warm you up and keep you company.
Timetable
Most people agree that October to February is prime manichetoku season. Actually, there are social media posts that break down exactly what’s happening each month. Most people interested in having a partner want that person for the holidays so they can avoid the dreaded “what’s going on in your love life” question from family members. Also, if you don’t get out as much because of snow or cold weather, these usually cold months are perfect for a relationship.
Cuffing Season Relationship IDs
If you’re worried that you’re in a Cuffing Season relationship or are looking to be in one, watch out for the following six identifiers.
We need to meet urgently
If you’re using a dating app and the person you’re talking to wants to meet up right away and keeps pushing you to meet up multiple times a week, they might want to rush into a relationship.
Make vacation plans on first dates
If they’re already asking you to the annual family holiday party within the first few dates, they may have ulterior motives. Who likes going to parties alone? They may just be trying to satisfy the curiosity of nosy aunts and uncles.
Plan regularly but not in the spring
If you make plans to get together every week but don’t want to plan ahead, you might want to reconsider where the relationship is going. They may already be getting ready to peel off once spring arrives.
I want to stay in and nothing else
Grabbing a blanket, snacking and watching movies is a great time, just not all the time. If you find that week in and week out you’re just staying in, then your partner might just be in it for the winter cuddles. There is also a chance that they are introverted and like to stay inside.
Their friends are all in a relationship
It can be hard to be the odd one out. I mean, who wasn’t a third wheel? If you notice that everyone in your partner’s friend group is in a relationship, then this could be a warning sign that they are rushing into a relationship to be like everyone else.
A friend confesses undying love
If a close friend suddenly discovers that they can’t live without you… and not in a platonic way… that might be a sign that it’s not true love. They may, in fact, be feeling the pressure from all the other couples around them.
Cuffing season is not bad. If you’re looking for a short-term partner who would be great for a winter of staying in, watching movies, and cuddling, make sure that’s what your partner wants too. You can have a great time in a relationship, even if it’s not meant to last!
