A Guide to the 2022 Cuffing Season

Winter is coming (for most of the Western world, anyway) — so says Ned Stark. That means gray skies and chilly temperatures. How does one warm themselves up?

We all know that drinks and fuzzy sweaters are cold weather staples. Is another warm body a possible option?

Allow this article to explain one of modern dating’s offshoots: cuffing season.

Say Hello to Cuffing Season

The end of the year is near and cuffing season is here!

For those unaware, this refers to the period when singles find themselves urging for relationships to get them through the cold months. The season usually kicks off around late October and lasts until the end of February. At this time, some look for fun on the side, while others want something more serious and long-term.

The term first popped up as early as 2011 in Urban Dictionary. If you’re chronically online, you may have already encountered it before. The idea’s popularity shot up just as online dating became a norm.

Cuffing references the idea of being handcuffed. Think of it this way: imagine yourself being locked in or tied down to one person. In this case, it’s only for a specific season. No jail cells are necessary to actualize this concept.

Why Do People Participate in Cuffing Season?

Here’s a typical reason people cuff themselves during the winter months: they get lonely — especially in winter.

During the holidays we usually go home to our family and loved ones. But for some singles, that annual trip back home simply isn’t an option. Maybe they don’t have families to visit anymore, or perhaps the concept of family is something they’ve cut off from their lives.

And with that, some singles can’t help but feel lonely.

Psychologist and author Lisa Marie Bobby explains it thoughtfully. “In the summer, people are fluttering around like dragonflies. In the winter, at least in the Northern hemisphere, it’s cold and dark, and it can feel very lonely. There’s this evolutionary pull to connect with other humans, which is often subconscious,” she says.

Along with the holidays come endless decorations and events. Sure, they’re great for getting into the holiday spirit. Who doesn’t like parties?

As well-intentioned as those things are, some singles feel the holiday blues even more at the sight of them. Things can get especially annoying if nosey people keep asking about your relationship status (or lack thereof) during gatherings.

For sex therapist Holly Richmond, cuffing also scratches a physical itch. “The physical side, I think, is more of an evolutionary biology piece. We’re pack animals, and in the winter months, we had to spend time together literally for warmth,” she suggests.

So if you’re wondering why some lovestruck singles are looking for a winter cuddle buddy, this may be the reason.

How Does Cuffing Season Work?

Now that the cuffing season concept has been explained, allow this next section to expound on how it plays out. Some people have hilariously likened it to a sports league season, which may help you paint a clearer picture of its entire process.

The Search

In this first stage, singles are on the lookout for potential candidates. The sharpest radar can spot anyone who’s up for a winter affair.

The Selection

Once they’ve got their candidates lined up, they can choose who they’ll cuff themselves to.

The Auditions

This period is code for testing the waters. In this phase, singles take things slow and figure out what they want from the season.

The Trial Period

Think of this as a test run: will things go smoothly or will they go south?

The Endgame (If Things Work Out)

Congratulations! Love is in the air as the relationship lasts well beyond the holidays.

The Elimination (If Things Fail)

At this juncture, the cuffing is now, unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your feelings) eliminated from contention. We’re sorry that things didn’t work out.

Cuffing season isn’t for everyone, so take some time to think about it before you dip your toes in the water. Don’t leave your heart out in the cold!