Looks like those handcuffs you bought for your Halloween costume may just come in handy! As the first semester whizzes by that can only mean the inevitable “cuffing season” is upon us. But what actually is cuffing season and more importantly, why do we do it?
What is “Cuffing Season”
I used to think there were only four seasons, but it turns out there’s a fifth, delicately wedged between crisp, fall and the cold months of winter. It’s when single people start looking extra hard for someone they can spend the long, frigid winter with. It’s when party girls and player guys start “catching feels,” and would rather be tied down in a serious relationship than continue being single.
But why? What is the science behind cuffing?
1. We are Social Beings
College is incredibly exciting. It’s our first taste of independence, and a new freedom to skip your Friday 8am to go out on a Thursday night just because. Little to no commitment is suddenly acceptable and kissing a new boy every weekend if you want to is totally fine. But after the initial excitement and craziness of first semester start to set in, people begin to fall into a more regular and often more stressful schedule as workloads begin to amount. People not only have more work to do but also start to experience feelings of homesickness and loneliness as the party atmosphere begins to set in and lose some of its initial excitement. As the leaves change and some of the craziness of the beginning of the year start to relax, people start to long for a relationship. More specifically, we start to desire reliant company, and look for someone that provides constant support, cuddles, and affection.
2. The Weather
As the winter month rolls around and cold weather sets in, it is only natural that we would want to spend more time inside snuggling up and staying warm. And there is actual science behind it to! According to Medical Daily humans are evolutionarily programmed to seek mates during colder months for warmth and survival. Additionally, prolonged activity inside makes us want constant companionship. But of course there is a downside to finding a long term snuggle buddy just to stay warm; usually these kinds of relationships don’t last, because you may not still be interested in keeping him around when the hot, summer months set in.
3. Social Pressure
Social pressure influences everything, including our relationships. As cuffing season comes and you start to see more and more friends getting “tied down,” it is only natural to start wanting a relationship of your own. Additionally, cuffing season is also common around the holidays. Maybe this because at Thanksgiving you don’t want to hear from every aunt and uncle: ‘Wow! You’re still single? When are you going to get a boyfriend?’ It is natural to feel pressure from friends and families and even allow that pressure to influence our love lives.
Talk about “seasonal sexiness!”
But not to fear, cuffing is not for everyone! It is by no means necessary to have a relationship during this season, and in fact it’s unhealthy to seek out a companion just to fill a void. You should enter a relationship open-minded and willing for something serious, not just an extended “fling” that will expire once the snow melts and Spring rolls around! But whether you are looking for a new boy-toy or not, make sure to follow the #1 survival tip for the season:
Do not conform to cuffing or being cuffed just because everyone else around you doing it. Be your own person. And most importantly, do not drop your standards just to find someone to fill the cold, wintery void!