The leaves are starting to change, the breeze is getting crisper, the movies are getting scarier and the discussions about who’s getting into the college football playoffs are becoming more and more serious. Welcome to mid-October. 

However, with the change in the weather often comes a change in people’s relationship mentality. Yes, you all know what I’m talking about – it’s cuffing season. 

Cuffing season generally refers to the period starting in October and going through March in which single people have an increased desire to be in a relationship. But why is cuffing season a thing? Is it because the holidays are coming up, and people do not want to have to explain, yet again, to their grandmothers and aunts that they are not seeing anyone? Or is it simply because the weather is colder, and people just want someone to cuddle with to keep the chill away? One of the prevailing popular theories about this mindset is that people are simply lonelier during these months. The dreary weather does not make the party scene very inviting, and outdoor activities are all but obsolete (unless you happen to live on a snowy mountain), so most people simply go to work or school and then head home. This lifestyle can quickly become depressing when you have little to look forward to, so people attempt to find a significant other that they can hit up when they feel lonely. 

But before you jump on Tinder (or even worse – resort to your ex), consider whether this is a good idea for you. The winter can be a busy time with school, football games, job interviews and holiday visits back home, so getting into a new relationship might not be the best idea. And with winter break thrown into the middle of winter, dating someone new can be especially difficult when you are forced to do a month of long-distance virtually right off the bat. Unless you happen to live close to this person (then what are you waiting for?). Actively looking for a relationship is rarely a good idea, but if you know yourself well enough to know that this works for you, then go for it. 

All in all, there are many pros and cons to starting a relationship during cuffing season, but it comes down to whatever is going to make you happiest. 

Happy cuffing!