Cuffing season is that time of year when the weather gets colder and everyone seems to couple up. Check out our guide to this winter phenomenon and find out how to prepare for getting cuffed
What is cuffing season?
It’s getting colder, the nights are drawing in, and all you really want to do is snuggle up in front of the TV with someone special. If this sounds like you then you’re not alone. In fact, there’s a whole dating phenomenon named after the urge to couple up when it’s cold – cuffing season. Urban Dictionary defines cuffing season as the time of year when people who wouldn’t usually be looking for a relationship want to find someone to settle down with. Even if, in some cases, settling down only lasts four months!
When is cuffing season?
The exact dates of cuffing season are up for debate, but most commentators place it between November and March. This mean you’re coupled up throughout the coldest months and covered for milestone calendar dates such as Christmas and Valentine’s Day.
While winter weather is the catalyst driving long-term singles to get cuffed, there’s no reason why these relationships can’t outlast the season and turn into something serious. The light-hearted flirting games and casual dates of summer are fun but they rarely lead to anything more. In contrast, indoor one-on-one dates – watching a film or cooking together – are far more intimate and can form the kind of connection that helps relationships go the distance.
The benefits
It’s hardly the most romantic of concepts but could cuffing season provide an antidote to the endless cycle of disposable dating? In a time when people are paralysed by choice, overwhelmed by the options available and committed to leading single lives, it’s refreshing to see people driven to make a commitment of any kind.
The season can also help to improve existing relationships. When couples go into hibernation mode together, it helps them to form a more intimate connection without external distractions.
Jasmine has been with her partner for seven years and always looks forward to the winter months. ‘In the summer, we’re always out and about, sometimes together but often apart – our diaries are crammed with things to do,’ she explains. ‘Winter feels like the time to reset our relationship. It sounds like a cliché, but we get to spend more quality time together and it really makes a difference.’
Getting ready
So, what can you do if you’re looking to cuff or be cuffed this season? The great news is that you’ll likely see a lot more activity on dating websites– new profiles and increased communication. And, if you choose Mgadt, you can trust that most of your matches will also be looking for a relationship.
The best way to prepare is to refresh your profile. It’s the best place to showcase all the things that make you great, so make sure you make the most of it. Check that you’ve added unique details. If you’re looking for a film buddy, mention your favourite genre, and if you love to cook, share your signature dish. These little extras will add personality to your profile – and give people a hook to use when they send you a message!
Check your photos too. Are any out of date? Do you have any shots taken on your summer holiday when you really felt at your best? Add them to your profile.
When you’re happy with your profile, be proactive. Don’t wait for others to make the first mood. Check your matches regularly, send smiles to those who catch your eye or dive straight in with a direct message or Guided Communication. The more active you are on the site, the more you’ll increase your chances of meeting someone who’s truly right for you.
So, what are you waiting for? ‘Tis the season, after all.
