What You Should Know About Cuffing Season

They don’t want to be alone during the holidays.

Several holidays happen during this season, including Christmas, New Year’s, and Valentine’s Day. Couples are usually out on dates or celebrating with their family and friends.

Singles don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb and be a source of ridicule, pity, or gossip. They look forward to this season to find a partner who, like them, doesn’t want to spend a lonely holiday.

There’s also the jealousy factor. They’d hate to be the only ones without a partner at a shindig.

They want to feel less pressure.

Holidays emphasize togetherness. Although their family and friends aren’t ganging up on them, they feel pressure from being single. They see other people’s love stories and question whether they’ll have their own. They anticipate going to gatherings and being asked whether they’re finally seeing someone.

Participating in this season allows them to ease the pressure they feel, even if it’s only temporarily.

They consider it an opportunity to find lasting romance.

During this season, daters are out and about trying to find partners. People’s relationship status and intentions become more apparent. Compared to other times, it’s now easier to navigate the dating scene.

And say they get cuffed with their cuddle partner. It could be an opportunity for them to ask for something more. They can turn a short-term relationship into a lasting one.

They want to feel happier.

The winter decreases people’s serotonin levels. And because of that biochemical change, moods are usually lower. Singles try to enter relationships to boost their happiness level. And let’s be honest: it’s nice to have reliable company at a time when you’re forced indoors.

They crave intimacy.

Cuffing season for guys is a time to find a partner with whom they can be physically intimate. According to The Conversation, men’s testosterone levels are at their lowest during the hot months and peak during the cold months. This increase drives them to look for intimate company.

It’s cuffing season! What does your schedule look like?

Stage #1: Preseason scouting

When September ushers in, one’s pursuit begins. They look back at their summer flings, treating them as practice. Or they watch films—in this case, their Instagram stories—to review what they did right or wrong.

The majority of observations also happen at this stage. One scouts for prospects that can fit into their love life (at least temporarily).

Stage #2: Drafting and tryouts

When October arrives, one decides who’s worth keeping and who has to go. Think of it as a sport team tryout, but without all the workouts. Instead, the process involves going on dates. Some matches shine, while others fumble.

One has to make tough calls. But if they want progress, making these hard decisions is necessary.

Stage #3: Regular season

Cuffing season dating finally begins. One goes on to further know their chosen matches through numerous dates.

Their criteria? Consistency. If a match doesn’t show it, one looks at the other options on their roster.

Stage #4: Playoffs

Before you know it, it’s already December, and the season starts winding down.

One is seeking commitment, demanding more consistency. They require potential partners to show up regularly and show a willingness to be together for the long term.

Stage #5: Bye weeks

In sports, a “bye week” is when a team doesn’t have to play. It’s like a scheduled break for players to rest and craft a game plan for the final stretch.

For this season, the recess lasts for more than a week. And there’s no telling if this break will revitalize one’s dating roster.

As this break goes on, one requires stronger communication and better chemistry. If a match fulfills this, their chances of making the final roster are highly likely.

Otherwise, the break reveals their incompatibility, and they get left out of the final lineup.

Stage #6: The championship match

It’s the holiday, and the time has finally come for the Super Bowl of the cuffing season.

For the remaining players, this is their chance to execute their best plays. In this case, it’s the best date. But there’s only one victor, so may the best player win.

Cuffing season dating is a time to show off—not your wealth—but your consistency and effort.