Cuffing Season: What Is It? Schedule?

Cuffing Season Schedule 2024: Cuffing Season Meaning, Dates & More

Cuffing season has been around for a while but in the age of urban dictionary, social media and modern dating trends, it has picked up in popularity over the years.

This is a guide to understand where it came from, what it means, when it starts/ends, and what to make of it. Cuffing season will be over before you know it and knowing trends can help you avoid costly mistakes while dating and help you read people, understand intentions and move on from folks quickly.

What is Cuffing Season?

Cuffing season is a time when folks seek out short-term romantic partners to avoid being single during the cold, winter months. While it’s more common in the Northeast and Midwest, it’s a phenomenon that happens across the country and other parts of the world.

Why Is Cuffing Season A Thing?

The reason for the schedule is that in colder months, the days are shorter, there are fewer activities going on, people are back at school, back from summer travels and are back home ready to settle down for a bit. The timing also coincides with the season when many couple activities tend to pop-up including family get togethers i.e. Thanksgiving, Christmas and social events like New Years parties.

When Does Cuffing Season Start? Cuffing Season Schedule

October is usually the time when cuffing season starts (usually around the beginning of the month but definitely by the time daylight savings time kicks in. The temperatures cool down and the days get shorter and people are less motivated to go outside, embrace the cold and go out and meet people organically or via apps.

When Does Cuffing Season End?

Cuffing season typically ends around Valentines Day but it can around the end of December (to avoid awkward family holiday plans) or New Years to start anew or shortly thereafter. This coincides with another dating trend called Dating Sunday.

Is Cuffing Season A Thing? Is Cuffing Season Real?

Cuffing season is a thing as in it happens on a macro scale but it’s not a rigid schedule that everyone follows. Like all things, it’s a thing because there is a catchy name for it and people only notice when their friends partner up.

Similarly, there are people who are lonely and hate being single. These people would rather be with the wrong person than alone during this time. This is why it’s important to be careful when dating as you never know one’s intentions.

What To Make Of Cuffing Season

Dating someone new right before the holidays can be difficult as things move quickly and an opportunity to meet parents and family members is right around the corner. Many new relationships fail as lots of pressure builds and people are still trying to figure each other out in a rather short period of time.

My advice: expect nothing, everything. Be present and don’t confuse signs for effort, intentions and interest. Some people view introducing someone they are dating as a serious step in a relationship. Some people introduce their new partner every season.

On that note, communication is key during this awkward, intense time. Family plans, travel schedules and more can often cause confusion and make things awkward.