Coming off of a not-so-hot girl summer (thank you, COVID-19), the cool breezes of this past week were accompanied by the annual shift in singles’ psyches across the Northern hemisphere. Cuffing season is upon us and it is the time of year where satisfied singles transform into love-hungry hunters. Kicking off with the debut of fall, the slightest drop in temperatures appear to be accompanied by a change in those previously contented bachelors and bachelorettes who begin to pine for relationships that they may have rejected back in the warmer months of the year.
Thinking about this seasonal pattern of a change in attitude towards dating has me questioning the deeper intent behind it… is this merely another toxic Internet trend that the Gen-Z population has adapted into our lives, or is it something of a remnant from our species’ evolutionary history, deeply rooted in our genetic makeup?
Back in the days of our ancestors, the early Homo-sapiens, the acquisition of a “bae” was not a romance-fueled endeavor but instead an opportunity for the early humans to better their odds of survival. There is strength in numbers as your overall survival rate increases as there are more individuals in your community to help watch your back. In addition to an added safety benefit, another set of hands will allow for acquiring food and shelter to not be as daunting of a task.. The procurement of a partner was especially advantageous throughout the harsh winter months, wherein cruel climates and barren landscapes made life even more troublesome for the hunter and gatherers. Having a partner with whom one could face these difficult months alongside makes perfect evolutionary sense. Despite the daily obstacles and overall lifestyles of the modern human being quite different from our ancestors’ way of life, I think our heightened inclination to start a relationship upon entering the cooler months of the year probably still lies deep within us as a residual effect of an evolutionary adaptation.
Although I do think we as a species have an innate desire for companionship, I do not condone anyone to merely start dating another person to fill a seasonal hole in your heart. Please remember that others have feelings and that you should never purposefully date someone with the intent to dump them as soon as the temps peak above 75 degrees. Overall, I think “cuffing season” makes logical sense as it relates to our evolution as a species, and is a funny part of Internet culture that is so prevalent within our tech-savvy generation. Please remember that if it’s just a hand you want to hold during the cold months of the year, I suggest you visit your local coffee shop to get a hot drink to warm yourself up until you’re truly ready to commit to an actual relationship.
