Around this time of year, a specific type of conversation begins to take hold when it comes to relationships: “cuffing season”. In 2017, Collins Dictionary even shortlisted “cuffing season”, defining the phenomenon “as the period of autumn and winter, when single people are considered likely to seek settled relationships rather than engage in casual affairs.”

Often between September and December, there is a pressure to couple up. Summer flings and casual hook-ups become more enticing to transition into longer term, serious relationships before the coldest months arrive. Why?

The phrase itself takes from “handcuffing”, because of the urge to handcuff yourself to another person. 

Biologically speaking, humans do not have cyclical mating patterns. Still, early humans sought company to keep warm in the winter. Obviously, there was a better chance of survival if you faced harsher months as a pair instead of going it alone.

Psychologically speaking, social psychologist Dr. Justin Lehmiller states, “the higher rates of online dating in the winter does have a biological underpinning, at least in part: men’s testosterone levels increase while their serotonin levels drop, which could explain an increase in sex drive and in the desire to counter loneliness.”

Socially speaking, we must all have a taste of that impulse and pressure from our own communities. There is often an inherent loneliness when the weather turns colder. Anxiety around potential loneliness is real, so the impulse to partner is real as well. Behavior scientist and relationship blogger Clarissa Silver stated, “there are practical reasons why some cuff. It’s a lot colder, and people are attending fewer events and staying indoors more than warmer months — so it limits people’s dating and sex pools.”

With all that said, we feel it’s important to state that your best bet for a relationship timeline is to follow your instinct rather than the season or societal pressure. Consider your emotional availability and needs. Try to take your relationship or relationships just as you’d like. 

Want more good stuff? Connect with us over socials via Instagram or Twitter!