Have you ever noticed that about the time the weather starts getting chillier and the leaves start changing color and falling, it seems like everyone and their brother is getting into a relationship? Just go and consult your Facebook timeline if you don’t believe me – I bet you it’s covered with “Billy is in a relationship with Susie” updates side-by-side with about twenty nauseatingly cute couple photos. Now, this is a phenomenon I’ve noticed since middle school, but always equated it with people, and myself included, coupling up for the Homecoming dance in October or November and that leading to more serious relationships. However, since being in college I’ve realized that people are still becoming ‘official’ in the fall and winter months, despite there no longer being the past Homecoming dance anchor. Of course, there are sorority and fraternity semi-formals that could take Homecoming’s place, but then how does that account for the many non-Greek couplings?? I could have easily discounted it to there just being something in the air, but instead I asked around to my friends – girls and guys – on what their opinions might be on why fall and winter seem to be ‘boyfriend weather’:
“Well, fall and winter are boyfriend weather because it’s the perfect climate to snuggle up with someone and do romantic things like build snowmen or go to a bonfire, which doing alone kinda sucks. It’s the opposite of summer when you’re going on vacation with the hopes of meeting cute guys.”– Dana
“Because it’s colder, you need someone to cuddle with, you’re more likely to stay in than go out, and you want Christmas presents!” – Amanda
“People tend to sleep a lot more in the winter and stay indoors because of the chilly weather. Often times people find themselves more depressed and lonely and feel the need to have a ‘boyfriend’ in the winter. In example a cuddle buddy to keep them safe and warm and feeling loved.” – Braxton
“It’s definitely boyfriend weather! One reason is because you can wear his big long sleeve shirts with leggings.” – Clarissa
“The holiday season is really nice when you have a boyfriend. Christmas especially!” – Chloe
“You feel confident with yourself because you can cutely cover yourself, which personally I feel cuter in winter clothes than summer clothes. So if you feel cute and confident you can open yourself to love.” – Caroline
“Because it’s the perfect weather to snuggle up in a Snuggie and roast marshmellows!” – Matt
“I think it’s just the way the school schedule works out, like people tend to meet towards the beginning of the semester and become relationships in time for winter.” – Abby
“Probably because it’s better to cuddle with a boy and steal his warm flannel shirts. And couples Halloween costumes are always cute!” – Lindsey
“Well, I would think that it is because fall and winter is a time when everything is dying and your world is getting colder and it kinda creates a feeling of loneliness that people feel a need to fill.” – John
“I would say it’s that time of year you want to cuddle with someone you care about. Also, it’s a holiday season to spend with your family, so that probably has something to do with it.” – Olivia
So there you have it. Cuddling for warmth, presents, and stealing shirts seem to be the major players here….along with trying to avoid loneliness and depression (thanks for your cheery outlook, boys). But, it does all make sense – we just want to be with someone who cares about us and wants to cuddle, as well as someone to make us feel extra special during the holidays! I know I’ll always have a nostalgic-sort-of pep in my step once the leaves start falling, and now that you’re inspired too, go out and find yourself a significant other you can hibernate with! Winter is coming.