According to Urban Dictionary, “cuffing season” is during the fall and winter months and it’s when people who would normally rather be single or promiscuous find themselves desiring to be “cuffed” or “tied down” by a serious relationship.
Depression caused by the oncoming cold weather and an increase in indoor activities can cause this desire to change your relationship status on Facebook from “single” to “in a relationship.”
The Huffington Post stated that these relationships typically only last for a couple months --- until the weather gets warmer -- and are not as “serious” as one may hope.
Jessica Lowe, a freshman at Eastern Michigan University majoring in social work, has experienced cuffing season firsthand.
“I dated this guy who I met through school. It [dating] happened right after Christmas and lasted through New Year’s Eve break, and that was it,” she said.
Lowe is now keeping the newly learned word in the back of her mind when meeting new people in the fall and winter months.
“I would definitely take more time getting to know the person instead of jumping right into a relationship if I was asked on a date anytime soon,” Lowe said.
Cuffing season isn’t just filled with negatives though. According to MTV, more couples become engaged during the fall and winter season than any other.
Angela Rilei, a transfer student studying Apparel, Textile and Merchandising at EMU, fits the cuffing season timeframe, but is in a long-term relationship.
“This upcoming October will be my boyfriend and I’s 6 year anniversary. I never considered myself cuffed. We’re just happy,” she said.
Regardless of how you define your relationship, the fall and winter seasons offer a ton of great dating ideas. Here are some ideas for date night ideas for this cuffing season.
Themed Movie Day: Pick a day of the week to watch movies with your significant other and add a fun theme to it such as “sappy movie Monday” or “Terrified Tuesday.” This idea is great because it can turn into a regular schedule with your significant other.
If your relationship is fairly new and you’re not ready for one-on-one time just yet, add your roommates and their significant others to your themed movie day.
Apple Orchards: It’s hard to resist apples, pumpkin pie and hot cider when the leaves start to change colors. Take your significant other to an apple orchard, such as Apple Charlies in New Boston or Wiard’s Orchard right here in Ypsilanti and enjoy apple picking and hayrides for hours. Apple Orchards are also great for families so it’s a perfect time for your significant other to meet the parents.
You can also extend your date by taking your newly picked apples home and making tasty treats.
