Cuffing season is upon us and as a result, many singletons may be feeling the pressure to find a short-term fling to cosy up with for the autumn and winter months.
The team at Condoms.uk has spoken with mental expert and licensed counsellor, Rychel Johnson, about what cuffing season is, the reasoning behind it and why it’s wise to focus on personal development and in light of World Mental Health Day we wanted to share these expertise.
Mental health expert reveals why it’s important to focus on yourself this cuffing season
What is cuffing season?
Simply put, cuffing season is used to describe the period in which single people seek a short-term relationship or to be ‘cuffed’ to another person throughout the colder months. Johnson explains cuffing season is “when cooler temps seem to kickstart many singles into high pursuit mode for a reliable source of warmth and comfort.”
It’s said the ‘season’ starts in autumn in October and lasts through winter until early spring when the weather turns brighter and moods lift.
What is the reason behind this phenomenon?
There are several reasons why singletons people crave romance and intimacy at this time of the year. One, It’s in our biology. Johnson states cuffing season is “an eminently understandable biological inclination” as the changing weather triggers “drives for cosied intimacy”.
Another potential reason is fear of loneliness. Johnson wonders “if this cyclical romantic zeal sometimes stems from more fear-based concerns over potential isolation during the holiday period and long winter nights ahead”.
Other reasons may include seasonal depression, the desire to have someone to attend festivities with, and societal pressures.
Why is it important to focus on yourself during this time?
While there’s nothing wrong with craving close companionship, the pressure to find someone quickly isn’t the “healthiest motivational seed for couple formation”, Johnson explains.
Johnson says “Perhaps a wiser approach would be some proactive self-discovery work in the months beforehand. Build resilience around simply being present with yourself – facing any lingering insecurities or voids you might be tempted to temporarily fill externally. Then you’re better positioned to organically attract aligned partnerships”.
She adds “Relationships born from a place of wholeness have a very different quality – they tend to unfold more consciously and intentionally across all levels. Both people feel empowered to have their deeper needs and boundaries thoughtfully held and respected as the intimacy connection opens up.”
Using this time for self-awareness doesn’t mean you have to go without intimacy though. Self-pleasure can be a part of self-discovery. It can help you understand your body, desires, and sexuality.
The team at Condoms.uk have also put together some tips for getting into the mood from creating a comfortable environment to exploring your body.
