The nights are getting cold and the nights are long. Cuffing season is upon us.
I’m not too excited about the blistery East Coast eves, or days for that matter. I just got back from a ski resort at 5000 feet yesterday. It was like this — I was wildling on that cold dark and snowy mountain this weekend. Brrrrr . . .
It’s so enticing to get hitched up when the weather takes a vicious turn. People become desperate, like the hungry squirrel that didn’t save up enough nuts for the winter.
Cuffing Season
Instead, it’s already here. When you’re holed up with your cat and Netflix is when cuffing season begins. It beckons to hold your hand like the ghost of Christmas past (or the Grim Reaper of your dating life).
In 2017 Elite Singles surveyed 1500 singles, and they proved cuffing season is real. 70 percent of those singles said they were more than likely to look for something serious when it gets cold outside.
There are real benefits to being single during this cuffing season.
If you’re happy being single, seeing couples in matching ugly sweaters can supercharge your eye rolling capabilities. This is another (not-scientifically-proven-at-all) fact.
Rachel Perlstein, LCSW, told Bustle, “It can be detrimental to look for a partner just for the winter if you feel like you ‘have to’ or to avoid some kind of negative emotion.”
Wintertime blues season isn’t always the best time to snuggle up to someone new.
If you have unresolved emotional “things” rolling around in your heart, it can take a toll on your emotional well-being. If you’ve got that lonely feeling instead of looking for love, you may be better off taking care of yourself.
Seasonal affective disorder is real.
According to the Mayo Clinic, seasonal affective disorder (also known as SAD) is a type of depression. It starts around the same time every year.
Guess when SAD starts?
You guessed it — during cuffing season.
It can suck your energy, make you feel sluggish, hopeless, give you sleeping problems, feel depressed and make you feel moodier than normal. And a few other things . . . I had a helluva a crying session today myself.
I’m ready to go to Florida to soak up some rays again. But until then, I’ll be going to the gym for some red light therapy and hitting the tanning bed here and there.
If you feel SAD, it is treatable.
When you don’t have the time to hit the beach, pretend you’re there.
You can get a light therapy box that mimics sunshine. 30 minutes a day will do it! 30 minutes a day will trigger your circadian rhythms and suppress the natural release of melatonin according to Everyday Health.
Feel your best when you are ready for a partner (if that day ever comes). You might be the happiest single for life.
Just because you’re single, doesn’t mean you have to be alone for the holidays.
Feel free to date casually. When’ you’re carefree all year, and not just in the heat of summer, you can have fun year round. If you’re looking for short-term, just keep your communication open with your fling.
Summary
When you’re single, embrace your alone time. Read a book, meditate and learn something you’ve always wanted to learn. Curl up in your favorite big sweater and be thankful that you don’t have to wear a matching one.
Lots of Love,
Dina Colada
Views expressed in this article are the author’s opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of Secure Single. It is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not investment or financial advice. James Bollen is the author of Thriving Solo: How to Flourish and Live Your Perfect Life (Without A Soulmate). Now available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon. Subscribe to Secure Single’s Substack for free!
