Welcome to Cuffing Season, folks.
It's not what you think.
Cuffing Season occurs just like clockwork at the end of Summer/beginning of Fall/Winter. Your summer flings are winding down, the weather is turning chilly and suddenly, you have an intense desire to be "cuffed" aka in a serious relationship. Basically, you want a permanent cuddle buddy to burrow next to as you binge watch Netflix and someone to introduce to Grandma at Thanksgiving dinner, and you want them now.
While there is nothing wrong with wanting to settle down come Fall, it's important that you are a smart lil cuffer. Here are four essential Cuffing Season survival tips.
Remember That You Aren't Desperate.
Science says that men are the most affected by Cuffing Season and, "in a frenzy to protect their libidos from frostbite" (I can't make this up) they will stop at nothing to secure the cuddle buddy of their dreams. This might explain why the guy who wouldn't commit in July is suddenly sending you good morning texts and bringing you flowers at work come October.
Don't cuff yourself to the first Tom, Dick or Harry (or Susie!) who looks your way. The whole point of Cuffing Season is to find someone to be in a long-term relationship with, so abandon your anyone will do summer fling mentality. Make sure the person you're dating is someone you really like, because thanks to the frigid temps, you'll likely be spending a lot of time alone indoors together. And on that note, make sure that you are really interested in them as a person, not just as a warm body and vice versa. Cuffing isn't code for desperation--it should inspire you to find love, not encourage you to throw your standards out the window, and it's not a license to force someone into committing to a serious relationship with you.
Tis The Season!
There is a reason why Cuffing Season peaks in the Fall/Winter other than the weather...because it's the best time of year to be in love! From ridiculous couples Halloween costumes to snowy weekends spent indoors wearing pajamas and eating pancakes in bed while binge-watching holiday movies on Netflix, or holding hands while looking at the twinkling holiday lights, love is in the Cuffing Season air, so make the most of it! Do all of the cheesy things you've seen other couples do in years past and make no apologies for it. Who knows what the New Year will bring, so enjoy yourselves to the fullest now.
It's Okay If You Aren't Into Cuffing
It might be Cuffing Season, but nowhere does it say that you have to find a winter romance, and it's perfectly fine if the thought of cuffing yourself to someone sounds decidedly unappealing! If you fall into the no thanks, no time camp, don't force yourself into dating in the Fall or Winter just because it seems like so many other people are. Being single during this time of year is awesome in it's own right, as you'll be able to save loads of money (no partner to buy gifts for!), be utterly seflish with your time (significant other's awkward work holiday party? no thanks!) and run no risk of relationship drama overshadowing the most wonderful time of the year.
Cuffing Season Isn't Forever
All good things must come to an end, cuffing season included. It's important to remember that just because you start a relationship during the most romantic time of the year doesn't mean it will last after the holiday decorations have been packed away. Successful relationships are built on more than cuffing, and you might find out that yours doesn't have enough to stand on. Plus, February is on the horizon and with that, the time of year with the highest amount of breakups. Make the most out of Cuffing Season and then move on...until next year, at least.