Even though you may enjoy being single, there is something about the colder months that makes people yearn for some sort of romantic relationship. That’s why the fall and winter are considered ‘cuffing season’ among millennials.
Defining the term
The term first appeared in 2011 when Urban Dictionary defined it as “the time of year where people who would normally rather be single or promiscuous find themselves along with the rest of the world desiring to be ‘cuffed’ or tied down by a romantic relationship.”
“Cuffing season is a real phenomenon. People love to stay warm and having a companion is a good way to achieve that,” said Carlen Costa, a sexologist and relationship psychotherapist.
But why do millennials like to get coupled up during the colder months?
Here are the opinions of some Fanshawe College students:
“To steal men’s body heat, or women’s, whoever you’re in to,” said a second-year female student.
A first-year female student said, “It’s Christmas time. Think about all those presents.”
“The winter makes people lonely,” answered a second-year male student.
“Because people want to cuddle,” said a first-year female student.
Not just for millennials
Carlen Costa, sexologist and relationship psychotherapist. Photo: @drcarlen/Twitter
Carlen Costa, sexologist and relationship psychotherapist, says that although the term may be coined by millennials, the trend is certainly not.
“This is why a lot of births happen between August and October. It’s because nine months before that, it was cuffing season. So no matter what generation you are a part of, when the cold starts to get in, people just want to warm up and cuddle by the fire with somebody,” she said.
Costa adds that during the wintertime people have other priorities that take up their time. This makes it difficult to date and look for a serious relationship. However, “that does not stop people from having some fun during the winter,” she said.
“Going outside is cold, going to the bar is cold…getting out of bed is cold, so why not stay in bed and get warm? That’s why people like to hookup during the winter months. In the summer, everywhere you go is warm and fun. In the wintertime, people can’t be bothered to go outside and find love,” she added.
Wanting to be cuffed should be understood as a completely temporary relationship by both parties as the appeal of a cold-weather companion dims down when it is no longer too cold to spend time outdoors, Costa noted.
Sarah Elali, second year student
Sarah Elali is a second-year student who thinks this is the perfect time to couple up.
“I feel like with the weather changing and the holidays coming, it’s a good time to start any kind of relationship because people want to bring someone home and stop getting asked questions about their relationship status,” she said.
Should people get cuffed?
Although getting into a relationship during this time of year may seem appealing, William Fisher, UWO’s Psychology of Love and Attraction professor, says people should be cautious about this kind of relationship.
“I wouldn’t advise for anybody to rush into any kind of relationship for the sake of a being in a relationship…I think there’s a lot of social pressure because people think that being in a relationship may signify how attractive and valuable you are. That’s simply not true,” he added.
Now that the fall is in full swing and winter is just a few weeks away, do not feel bad if the weather is making you want to be cuddled up by the fireplace with someone, because you are probably not the only one.
Cuffing season is all about finding someone to spend those cold winter nights watching Netflix with, but do not get too attached because many of these relationships are gone by spring.
“If you don’t find someone, don’t lose hope because remember after cuffing season, there’s summer flings to look forward to,” said Carlen Costa, sexologist and relationship psychotherapist.
