The “Science” Behind Cuffing SZN
By now, we all know that the fall and winter months have been dubbed "Cuffing Season," but have you ever wondered what it is about the cold that makes everyone suddenly crave a boo? Is it just the loneliness that sets in when the temperature drops? (Spoiler: kinda.) Let's break down why you’re probably going to be craving some cozy companionship this fall and winter.
There’s no one-size-fits-all explanation for why people seem to dive into relationships once the weather gets chilly, but experts do have some interesting guesses. The most obvious? The cold forces us indoors, cutting down on our social interactions, so naturally, we start wanting someone to cuddle up with. Psychologist Susan Albers puts it this way: “Dark, cold nights can trigger an intense feeling of loneliness and a drop in serotonin, and there may even be a significant link between cuffing season and seasonal affective disorder.”
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that hits harder as the seasons change, and since having someone around can help ease symptoms, cuffing season becomes a go-to way to cope. Instead of leaning into that winter loneliness, people tend to opt for a relationship. But Albers also warns that this quick-fix mentality can be a downside—when we're just trying to fill that emotional void, we might lower our standards and jump into something that’s not really a fit.
Now, locking down a long-term boo just because it’s sweater weather isn’t a must, but it’s not hard to see why people do it. Fall and winter activities like cozying up for a movie night or visiting a pumpkin patch just hit different with someone you vibe with. And it doesn’t help that during the holiday season, your socials are flooded with happy couples posting their pics and patching PJs—the cold months just seem tailor-made for couples.
But before you rush into something just to avoid a lonely winter, remember this: there are plenty of ways to find companionship and intimacy outside of a romantic relationship. So, don’t let cuffing season pressure you into getting tied down with someone you’re not really feeling. Friends, family, and even your community will be there to give you the love and support you need (no “lil yea” required).
TBH: most cuffing season relationships don’t even make it to summer. Once the sun comes back out, a lot of people find themselves uncuffed and ready to go back to the streets. So don’t stress if you're flying solo this season. You can still make it a memorable one—whether you're cuffed or not.