Now that the leaves are falling and we have our winter jackets out, it’s finally time for all the lonely birds out there to make a choice: do you want to take on the winter season alone, or is it time to find someone for those cold, lonely nights?
According to Urban Dictionary, the term ‘Cuffing SZN’ is defined as the time when “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 serious relationship.” In other words, it’s the season where everyone wants to get tied down in a relationship.
But what are the rules? If there even are any. Is there a certain time you have to get cuffed? Is this really something I need to participate in? Don’t stress, here is everything you need to know about cuffing season.
1. Know it is most likely a temporary thing
Cuffing season runs from November through March. With spring break approaching, end of the school year, and maybe even graduation for some of you, know that this person might just be a temporary person in your life. Enjoy the time you have together and then say “thank you, next.”
2. It can be emotionally risky
As mentioned, everything is temporary. It’s okay to catch some feelings during this time, just make sure you’re on the same page with the ‘relationship’ so one doesn’t become more invested than the other. Being open about your feelings and boundaries will help from potential heartbreak.
3. It’s okay to not ‘get cuffed’
Look, sometimes it stings when you see all of your friends getting tied down and you feel the FOMO building inside. Staying single gives you the opportunity to keep your options open, follow your own rules, and live your life without the chances of drama. You’re a single, independent person and you don’t need no man (or woman)!
4. Know you might not be the only one in the picture
The difficult part about cuffing season is that nothing is ever official. You might think you’re the only person in someone’s life, but that certain someone may have another agenda. Keep your guard up and don’t think that there isn’t a possibility of a ‘side chick.’
5. It can make your life more stressful
College is stressful enough! Why would you want to complicate your life anymore by adding a temporary relationship? Cuffing season can seem like the ‘puppy love’ stage without the complications of a relationship, but sometimes it doesn’t always work out the way you want it. If you want to drop the chances of added stressors, cuffing season might not be for you.
6. Every season is cuffing season
Yes, there is a ‘season’ which people tend to get cuffed, but in the wise words of Snow White, “someday my prince will come.” Even though you might not find someone during the traditional cuffing season, doesn’t mean you won’t ever find someone. You deserve to be more than a temporary fling, keep your head up, your time will come soon.
So whether you want to sign up for a dating app ASAP or end up realizing that cuffing your cat is a better idea, good luck, and happy cuffing season!