Because butterflies are great but a genuine connection is even better.Ā
Thereās something about fall that makes having someone special feel a little more appealing. Between cute cafe dates, cozy movie nights, pumpkin patches, and just walking around campus to look at the changing leaves, cuffing season is the perfect time to get to know someone new.Ā But while having a crush can seem exciting, it’s easy to get caught up in the butterflies and overlook the things that actually matter. Cute text and romantic gestures are nice, but what really makes someone worth your time?Ā Sometimes, it’s the little things that reveal the most about a person.
Consistent Communication is the BARE MINIMUM.Ā
In college, everyone has a busy schedule filled with classes, assignments, extracurricular, family, work and plans with friends. No one expects someone to be available all day, everyday but making an effort to communicate goes a LONG WAY. Whether it’s checking in after a long day, following through on plans or letting someone know when they’re busy. TheseĀ small actions show that someone actually values your time. You shouldn’t have to spend hours wondering where you stand or constantly be the one reaching out first. When someone is generally interested, their actions will reflect it. A new connection should feel exciting, not leave you overthinking every text message.Ā
Remembering the little things means more than you thinkĀ
Another green flag is when someone pays attention to the little details. Maybe they remember your usual drink order, ask how an exam or assignment or presentation went or bring up something you mentioned during a conversation weeks ago. These moments might seem very small, but they show that someone is actually listening and making an effort to get to know you.Ā It’s NOT about expecting someone to remember every single thing you say, it’s about feeling heard and appreciated. The same goes for respecting your boundaries and understanding that you have a life outside of dating. Someone who encourages you to spend time with your friends, focus on school and make time for yourself is showing that they respect your independence.Ā Thoughtfulness doesn’t have to come in the form of expensive gifts or elaborate dates. Sometimes, simply remembering the things remembering the little details means more than any gesture ever can.Ā
Feeling comfortable being yourself is everything
Getting to know someone new can bring plenty of nerves, especially when you’re trying to figure out whether they like you as much as you like them. But you shouldn’t feel like you have to change your personality, hide your interest or carefully plan every conversation to keep someone. The right person will make you feel comfortable sharing your opinions, thinking about your favorite things and being a little silly without worrying what they think about you. They’ll support your goals, celebrate your accomplishments and understand that your world doesn’t revolve around them. While chemistry can make a connection feel exciting, feeling respected and appreciated is what helps it grow into something more genuine.
At the end of the day, cuffing season should be about more than finding someone to spend the coldest months with. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of a new crush, especially when everyone around you seems to be entering their āārelationshipāā era. But there’s no need to rush into something just because fall is here, take your time getting to know someone, pay attention to how they treat you and remember that you deserve a connection that feels mutual. The little things might not always see my music at first, but consistency, thoughtfulness, and comfort are often what separate a passing class from something worth holding on to.Ā
After all, Cuffing season is a lot more fun when you’re catching feelings for someone who actually deserves them.Ā
But also remember, not every connection is meant to last forever, and thatās okay. As Olivia Dean says āāIt’s better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all. Just because something didn’t work out doesn’t mean that it was a waste of time. Any love you get to share with anybody in your life is a giftāā