10 Reasons You Should Date Someone This Cuffing Season & 10 Reasons Not To
The Pluses And Minuses Of Finding That Seasonal Someone
This time of year is characterized by cooler temperatures, shorter days, and an increased desire for someone to cuddle. More people use dating apps between November and February than at any other time of year due to the pressure to bring someone home for the holidays and have someone for Valentine's Day. But don't get carried away and start dating someone just for that. Take a moment to think about these 10 reasons to date someone and 10 reasons not to this cuffing season.
1. A Plus-One At Holiday Events
One of the main reasons people pair up close to the holidays is so that they have someone to bring to events like office parties and family gatherings. If you have someone with you who you like spending time with, it can make these events much more bearable.
2. A Cuddle Buddy On Cold Days
Everyone enjoys having someone to cuddle up with on a winter day. Not only does the chilly weather make cozying up indoors more appealing, but the prolonged darkness encourages connection in the form of late-night talks and intimacy.
3. Stops Your Family From Pestering You About Your Relationship Status
The best way to make your family stop asking, "Are you seeing anyone special?" Bring a date home for the holidays.
4. To Stave Off Loneliness
The cold days and diminished sunlight affect hormones and can increase feelings of loneliness. Additionally, if you can't be with family during this time, it helps to spend this typical togetherness time with a partner.
5. Someone To Do Cute Seasonal Activities With
Sipping hot cocoa by the fire, ice skating, cuddling up, and watching Love Actually are just some of the romanticized seasonal activities that are best done with that special someone.
6. Friends All Pairing Up
Cuffing season is the time of year when dating apps are most used. Therefore, chances are your friends will be pairing up, and will be less available to hang out so you may as well date someone too.
7. Increased Leisure Time
During most of the year, as you juggle work, friends, and hobbies, you might find you're too busy to go on dates. Having time off during the holidays and the slower pace of life that comes with it may inspire you to want to date again.
8. The Greater Need For Physical Affection
The colder months bring with them a stronger craving for touch and intimacy. Physical affection has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety which are heightened during this period.
9. Low-Pressure
If you're open with your cuffing season partner about your intentions, you can ensure that the relationship remains low-pressure. It's common for couples to break up come spring, so if both parties have this expectation, it can stay fun and casual.
10. Emotional Support
Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression brought on by the colder, darker months. Having a partner helps to feel less isolated and provides emotional support.
Now that we've talked about some of the most compelling reasons to date someone through the colder months, let's go over why you should avoid it.
1. To Avoid Temporary Relationships
If you're not a fan of temporary relationships, this is not the best time for you to start dating. You don't want to be in a situation where you're ready to pour your whole self into a partnership while the other person is just there for the winter cuddles.
2. Not Wanting To Lead Someone On
If you're wanting just something casual, you risk leading the other person on. This can break their heart and fill you with guilt.
3. It's Too Distracting
If you feel you need to focus on other things like work, hobbies, and family, it might not be a good idea to start dating. Once you start seeing someone, it can consume almost all your free time.
4. Prioritizing Self-Care
Wanting to spend time working on yourself, just taking a step back, and focusing on your mental health and well-being instead of romance is a noble cause. This is especially true this time of your which can be anxiety-inducing.
5. Feels Artificial
If you and your partner approach dating as a temporary thing, it can make it feel inauthentic. Any feeling of magic will just be dismissed and it might feel shallow.
6. Dating Is Expensive
Dating is expensive and so is buying gifts for your entire family. Some people might find dating a little hard to budget for around this time that's already full of splurges.
7. Fear Of Settling
If you start dating someone as a temporary thing, chances are they aren't going to be the love of your life. However, there is the risk that you become too deeply involved and end up settling.
8. Fear Of Love
On the flip side, you might feel you're not at the right place in life to fall in love. If you start dating, there's always the chance that you start having magical feelings for someone. During cuffing season, there's a higher risk your heart will be broken.
9. Too Rushed
If you start dating someone in the fall, there's a chance you won't feel ready to let them into your life and family traditions by the time the holidays roll around. Rushing into this level of intimacy with the wrong person might leave you feeling uncomfortable.
10. Prioritizing Mental Health
This is the time when many of us suffer from seasonal depression. For some, it helps to date, but for others, the chances of a poor interaction on a bad date are enough to dissuade them from going out with a stranger.
