Baby, it\u2019s cold outside. Which means most of those who are single during the chilly months are looking to find someone to help keep him or her warm for the next little while. In other words, whether you know it or not, we are smack dab in the middle of \u2018cuffing season.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s okay if you\u2019ve never heard the term before. Cuffing season, which usually lasts from November to April, was introduced into the popular vernacular back in 2011 on Urban Dictionary, and although it\u2019s gained popularity each year since then, the expression still gets people scratching their heads. The website defines cuffing season as the time when, \u201cpeople who would normally rather be single or promiscuous find themselves along with the rest of the world desiring to be \u2018cuffed\u2019 or tied down by a serious relationship.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even if you\u2019re not familiar with \u201ccuffing season,\u201d chances are\u2014especially in the midst of the holiday hubbub, complete with sappy romance movies and family time\u2014you\u2019ve probably considered cozying up to someone for the winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before you decide to contact that cute match in hopes of being \u2018cuffed,\u2019 here\u2019s everything you need to know about the pros and cons of the cuffing season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pro: You have the opportunity to bring out your more romantic side. Con: You\u2019re dating someone for convenience. Pro: You have a date your parents\u2019\/sister\u2019s\/co-worker\u2019s holiday party. Con: You\u2019ll have to explain to your parents\/sister\/co-worker what happened to your date.
\n<\/strong>Oftentimes, those who are open to \u201ccuffing season\u201d see it as an excuse to get offline and get real and romantic with someone in real life. This means that it\u2019s usually common for people, specifically men, to get serious about dating, which includes bringing out some old-fashioned romance. In other words, courtship replaces hookup culture, and people are more likely to give their first date a second one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/strong>Are you spending tons of time with this person because you really like him or her, or is it because you\u2019re just lonely? The dreariness of winter combined with the excitement of the holiday season often blurs the lines between what\u2019s real and what\u2019s not. Besides, knowing there\u2019s probably an imminent breakup in your near future will most likely cause you unnecessary stress and anxiety… and, ya, maybe a little guilt too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/strong>When you\u2019re cuffed with someone you\u2019re no longer subjected to the constant questioning of, \u201cWhy are you still single?\u201d that often occurs during the holiday season. With your new cuffing partner by your side, you have physical proof that you are attractive and worthy of someone\u2019s time and attention. Plus, you have a guaranteed midnight kiss on New Year\u2019s Eve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/strong>Unfortunately, cuffing season usually has an expiration date. When you next see your family and friends, you\u2019ll inevitably have to answer questions about, \u201cWhat happened between you two?\u201d And then return back to square one with the age-old, \u201cYou\u2019re still single because\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n