With the colder months settling in, it’s prime time for the weather to become freezing and the days to become shorter. The brutal, sometimes-depressing sense of winter can be enough to bring anyone's spirit down; however, that can change for those seeking a partner to experience the season with. Whether you need someone to cozy up with on cold nights or simply need a shoulder to cry on, cuffing season is a good time to pursue a new relationship. But do couples who get together during cuffing season differ from others?Cuffing season has a certain reputation with some people—the types of partnerships people seek out might just be for a short period of time; a temporary fling or someone to offer comfort during these colder months. While that's not the case for every couple that gets together between November and February, it's common enough to carry this specific connotation.And that's okay, if that's your intent! Cuffing season may be the right route for most people who want something short-term. But if you do find someone you really connect with, your relationship might shift as time goes on. If you are someone who finds themselves falling in love during this time of year, a psychologist and mental health counselor reveal how your relationship might take on certain qualities. They share nine characteristics of a cuffing season relationship because of the mentality associated with dating during this specific time of year. Related: Here's What Cuffing Season Has in Store for Your Zodiac Sign
“Cuffing season is the time of the year when you see singles looking to get into romantic relationships,” psychologist and licensed marriage and family therapist, Dr. Patrice Le Goy, says about the period of time between November and February.From at-home date nights to enjoying cozy dinners out, this period is meant for new couples to spend quality time with one another by engaging in activities that form a sense of companionship. Licensed mental health counselor Veronica Lichtenstein compares this romantic period to “putting on a cozy sweatshirt or sweater when the weather gets chilly.” Cuffing season also occurs at a time when holidays bring out more romantic moments for couples, which is something that a person may feel pressured to participate in themselves.“Being solo can feel extra lonely with all the holiday parties, festive movie marathons and other events where the pressure to bring a 'plus one' can intensify,” Lichtenstein says.Related: 'I Work 50+ Weddings a Year—Here's Exactly How I Can Tell if a Relationship Will Last'
Why Do People Want To Date During Cuffing Season?
The winter blues can hit anyone, but it can be even more grueling if you're someone who desires to be in a relationship during this period, but you're single. The fear of missing out and loneliness are the driving factors that can propel single folks to pursue relationships for the time being.“When the weather cools down, you may feel that you want to stay in and get cozy with someone, which helps combat the potential loneliness of being home alone,” Dr. Le Goy shares.During this period, some people may want a partner for cuffing season only, which means no strings attached or "catching feelings." For others, their sense of loneliness will not be cured in a short-term relationship. Instead, a long-term relationship is something they desire more to help with their sadness, if it's rooted in being single. Lichtenstein also believes that the holidays amplify the loneliness in singles and further their craving for romantic love.“Having a companion brings a sense of comfort and warmth—like having an anchor in the midst of all the holiday chaos,” she states. “It’s a very human desire to not want to face the party or the New Year’s kiss alone.”
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Cuffing season can bring about a lot of different kinds of relationships. These can range from low-key and casual to dedicated and intimate. No matter what your preference is, everyone’s views on a romantic relationship will differ. “You may be going into [cuffing season] simply looking for someone that you like, think is fun and are physically attracted to,” Dr. Le Goy says. Which, of course, can always blossom into something that lasts beyond February 14.Related: 8 Signs of Doing the ‘Bare Minimum’ in a Relationship, According to Psychologists
9 Characteristics of Couples Who Get Together During Cuffing Season, According to Psychologists
Let’s face it: the “honeymoon stage” of a relationship can be hard to let go of, because your dopamine is at an all-time high. This can make you rush a relationship, especially during cuffing season, when the festive season can heighten positive feelings.However, rushing things early on is never the answer. For instance, Lichtenstein notes that she had clients who confessed their love for their partner and planned trips in the early stages of their relationships, and that doesn't always bode well. “Be careful of the fast-forward button, because everything happens quickly and intensely,” she shares. “You miss the normal, gradual timeline of getting to know someone.”
2. They might focus on special occasions
Without a doubt, we often see couples showcase their love for one another on special occasions, such as Christmas and Valentine’s Day. The problem is that if couples only focus on the overhyped events that amplify their connection, then their everyday communication won’t be as consistent—or exist at all. And if you get together during this time of the year, your conversations and focus might hinge on these special occasions, but make sure you don't let it stop there if you want to go the distance.“I had a couple who met and fell in love during cuffing season, and as their marriage unfolded, they reported they had little to talk about while doing their laundry on a random Tuesday night,” Lichtenstein shares. “The spark is tied to the event, not the mundane daily life.”
This period may be the time that you're not looking for a long-term relationship, but rather something to make you feel wanted. If that is the case, it’s still best to communicate that that's your objective with dating during cuffing season. However, if you're open to moving forward more long-term, also make sure that you know your partner better as a person. Long-term can absolutely be a possible route for cuffing season couples if they work on it.For Dr. Le Goy, she states that the shared casualness could be “light, flexible and not necessarily long-term.” Lichtenstein shares that if you're going to last, it’s all about keeping consistency and practicing some level of trust. “You know all your partner’s highlight reels, but you may not know their daily routines, pet peeves or how they handle stress,” she explains. “The important little stuff that builds true intimacy over time.”Related: The Secret to a Happy Relationship? Making Out Every Day
4. It could be a version of puppy love
Red flags are one of the most talked-about topics in today’s dating culture. At first, your partner may seem “too good to be true” with their romantic tendencies—until everything comes out of the woodwork. Lichtenstein suggests looking out for the “love at first sight” and “meant to be” ideologies, because these will set you up for disappointment in the end. If you want to know our partner better, communicate with them about their goals and their passion in life.“This mindset [meant to be] could cause you to miss red flags, because you are invested in the fairytale narrative,” she says.
Most couples fight, which can be—believe it or not—a healthy part of a relationship (as long as it's not overdone or toxic). However, if the fight was so severe that you can’t stand being in the same room with them, one of the most unpleasant things that your partner can do is buy your forgiveness. Although it may seem sweet at first and squash the silence, this act can quickly become lustful, which itself can be seen as disingenuous.“Cuffing season couples report more grandiose gestures, such as extravagant gifts and constant talk of the future,” Lichtenstein shares. “Yes, this feels amazing, but it can sometimes accelerate artificial intimacy, which isn’t sustainable.”
6. They might be *too ready* for love
For those who’ve been on the market for quite some time, casual dating may not be of interest. So with the heightened emotions during cuffing season, people in this camp might be a little too ready for their one true love.“One or both people are just ready to settle down,” Lichtenstein says. “This can cause them to hyperfocus on the good qualities, inadvertently minimizing the things that give them pause.”
What if you’re someone who isn’t too pumped on the idea of a lovey-dovey relationship? Well, cuffing season may bring out the wild and adventurous side of your sensuality. If you prefer a laid-back companionship over a monogamous relationship, cuffing season still applies to you.“Because love is in the air, some people enter a more ‘party/casual’ mindset,” Lichtenstein shares. “They might be more open to undefined relationships—enjoying the companionship without the pressure of a serious label.”Dr. Le Goy shares that this time of year might mean that a relationship that comes out of cuffing season might just be that: there for the season. "Compatible timing indicates that they’re both open to a short-term, seasonal connection,” she says.
8. They can be more impulsive
Due to the whirlwind one will get out of cuffing season, emotions will be at full range, and you may be unable to handle them. You or your partner may act on something without genuine thought, or engage in risky behavior as a way to grow close to one another. It’s important to communicate about your feelings and not feel pressure in committing acts that won’t sit comfortably with you.“Decisions that normally require a lot of consideration, such as taking a trip or moving in together, can seem perfectly reasonable during cuffing season,” Lichtenstein says. “You’re riding a wave of emotion, rather than grounded choices. Related: How Soon Is Too Soon To Move In Together? A Relationship Coach Weighs In
9. There might be pressure to be too open too quickly
One of the many things that comes out of the early stages of a relationship is securing a deep connection. This could can look like scheduling time together to create weekly rituals. No matter how you plan to deepen the bond with your partner, remind yourself that you’re not obligated to share parts of your life that you're not ready to share.“This ‘open book’ approach can feel more intimate, but without the safety and time of a slowly built trust, it can feel overwhelming or disingenuous,” Lichtenstein explains.
There’s never a traditional time to find someone new, but committing yourself to a relationship for cuffing season can outline a level of maturity. Specifically for folks who have been single for years, cuffing season can serve as the perfect time to venture out and meet new people.Dr. Le Goy believes that if you already know what type of relationship you want, it’s best to be upfront about it. “It is neither good nor bad to seek a temporary partner," she says about people who are just looking for a seasonal partner. "If you have both agreed to a casual relationship, be careful not to try to push the other person into a serious relationship if they have been clear that they do not want one.”On the other hand, Lichtenstein wants individuals to be aware of what they’ll get into. Because sometimes people take you by surprise, especially in the love department. “My advice is to enjoy the magic and excitement of a new connection, but be mindful of pumping the brakes on a rushed timeline,” she says.Up Next:
Related: 13 Ways To Grow Stronger as a Couple—According to Relationship Expert Dr. John Gottman's Advice
Sources:
Dr. Patrice Le Goy, psychologist and licensed marriage and family therapistVeronica Lichtenstein, licensed mental health counselorHence then, the article about here are 9 characteristics of relationships that come out of cuffing season was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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