Cuffing Season: Getting Romantically Linked on Campus

Unless you have been somehow avoiding the walks to class and changing forecasts, or you have been living under a rock, you know that the season has officially changed. The warm weather and sunny skies we love so much are on their way out and cuffing season is upon us. In case you have not heard, “cuffing season” is a term used to describe the time period when the weather gets colder and people are likely to give up the single life and find someone that can keep them warm throughout the next few months. At this time if you are interested in some one you are advised to “cuff your chick” or “cuff your man”.
 
The term is becoming more popular and used in everyday life. Urbandictionary.com defines “cuffing season” as, “During the fall and winter months people who would normally rather be single or promiscuous find themselves along with the rest of the world desiring to be ‘Cuffed’ or tied down by a serious relationship. The cold weather and prolonged indoor activity causes singles to become lonely and desperate to be cuffed.” “Cuffing season” has become so popular that it even has it’s own Twitter page @cuffingseason which posted “cuffing season” calendars and applications. “Cuffing season” is all around us; a lot of people may take part in it, but just call it something else.
 

Junior kinesiology major Whitney Adams defines cuffing season as, “The time when you start seeing people’s Facebook statuses change from single to married or in a relationship.” She thinks people get “cuffed” because they stay inside more often to avoid the cold and need some company to stay with them. The start of “cuffing season” all depends on Mother Nature. Adams says, “Cuffing season usually starts mid November, but because of Hurricane Irene, it started early this year.”
 
Men and women seem to share similar views on “cuffing season”.  Junior psychology major Marcus Bumbray also defines cuffing season as the time when there’s a need for someone to keep you warm. He offered advice for those wanting to get cuffed saying, “If a girl carries herself well, is physically attractive and has an interesting personality, some one will cuff her.” The process of cuffing does not take much time. Bumbray revealed, “It depends on the person but cuffing is fast; it takes like two weeks to a month to get cuffed. If you’re not cuffed by Christmas, then you’re not getting cuffed.”

 
If you are currently uncuffed don’t worry! Hellobeautiful.com has offered “Five Ways For the Single Girl to Get Ready for Cuffing Season”. Their ideas include:
1.     They don’t need to know– “If you are serious about a relationship then don’t talk about it, be about it! No problem with bouncing a thought or two off a close friend, but broadcasting details of your special union is like cheapening it’s worth” (Hellobeautiful.com)
2.     It’s not all about you– Don’t forget to include the gentleman who is courting you into the picture when thinking about getting cuffed.
3.     Know thy self-“Knowing your worth is so important when getting relationship ready because you can easily lose it in the process of falling for someone.”
4.     Know thy weaknesses– “Being open and honest about what you’re coming to the table with flaws and all, is major in building trust and a bond.”
5.     Take care of your body– “Living a healthy lifestyle should not just be for the purpose of getting ready for a relationship; however it doesn’t hurt to start. By taking care of the most important person in your life*points at self* you are better able to care for those who come into it.”
 
Cuffing season is going to happen and that is something we can’t control. On the other hand, we can choose not to participate. The exaggerated use of the term “cuffing season” on social media devalues it. Some relationships that are a result of cuffing season have potential to stem into serious relationships, but most don’t and end as soon as the pool re-opens.

 
In my opinion, trying to be cuffed or in a relationship just because of the cold weather makes the whole idea of companionship seem very unauthentic. If you are single you may have a stronger desire for company when it gets cold, but I think if you want something that’s real it is worth the wait. Real relationships are not necessarily those that are tweeted about everyday. If two people know what they have is real than they should have nothing to prove.  It’s important to take the time to get to know people and find someone who wants to be with you and claim you no matter what the weather is. Find someone who, as Beyonce would say “Puts your love on top”, who is worth all the risks that come with dating and who has more to offer you than warmth in the winter.
 
Junior architecture and communications double major Shalyn Johnson chooses not to embrace “cuffing season”. She believes that, “Being in a relationship with someone is so much more than trying to bun up when the temperatures drop.” Her relationship is based on substance, not the weather. “I know what it’s like to have a person around year long,” Johnson said. “To hear the phrase ‘cuffing season’ thrown around, throws shade on couples in genuine relationships.”
 
Cuffing season is upon us whether we like it not. As the wind blows harder and you find yourself wearing your Northface more than your flip-flops, be prepared to see more couples around campus. Stop the lonely statuses and tweets and get cuffed!