Cuffing season has officially begun, and you know what that means…

Let the pairing begin!

For those not in “the know”, cuffing season is that time of year where singles are actively looking for relationships OR in some cases “situationships” before the cold weather hits. For the relationship minded, like our clients, this is an ideal time to meet someone. Be mindful that some singles may be only looking for the “cuffing season one,” versus “the one”. So, before you jump into a relationship just for the sake of having someone to cozy up with for the holiday seasons, here are a few Do’s and Don’ts to help you date effectively.

Here we go!

Don’t: Create a pressure situationIf you want to have someone by your side at work parties or to keep you warm when the weather turns frigid, that’s great! But it’s important to keep yourself in a good dating mindset and make sure you’re not putting too much pressure on yourself or someone else to settle down with you.

Do: Communicate your expectations Make sure you are being open with the person you are seeing. What exactly do you want from them? Is this just a cuffing season fling? Or is there enough spark to continue seeing each other after? We know you may not have that answer yet, but it’s important to consider if either of you are open to more. It will help you assess where you stand and what to expect in the future. We’ve seen many relationships that have started as a cuffing season relationship and turn into a long term relationship. So, it’s definitely worth exploring.

Don’t: Confuse your feelings Don’t confuse the cuffing season and the magic of the holidays. We know the holidays tend to bring sentimental feelings and joy and sometimes those feelings can spark something inside of us. It’s completely okay to fall for someone during the holiday season, just don’t be blinded. If it is a genuine feeling, address it! But don’t let the pomp and circumstance of the holidays make you move too quickly.

Do: Have fun with season’s festivities The fall and winter seasons are some of the best times to be dating. Why, you ask? Because there are endless things to do! Whether it be ice skating, sledding, building a snowman, walking around a Christmas market, or taking a carriage ride around a park, every activity can be laced with romance and holiday spirit. So take advantage of the possibilities to create fun dating experiences.

Don’t: Meet the family, unless long term vision Based on the expectations for your cuffing season relationship, keep in mind your personal limitations. Consider that cuffing season intersects with the holidays, and the holidays include spending time with families. When starting a new relationship, especially during cuffing season, it’s best to keep your relationship and your family separate. Yes, separate, especially if you aren’t sure where the relationship is going. Families tend to add outside pressure and expectations to any new relationship that you yourself are still navigating. Basically, keep things simple until you are sure.