Cuff Season: Winter Relationship Trends Couples are trying to find warmth in the colder months

With the coldest months of the year approaching, people seek warmth in relationships through their partners. Cuffing season has recently gained popularity, meaning singles crave romance during the winter months and go their separate ways on Valentine’s Day when the temperatures start to rise again.

There are several factors that make people look for our partners in the winter season. “As the weather is cold, people tend to stay at home and a companion helps reduce the feeling of loneliness caused by the season,” shared Siddharth Kumar, a relationship expert, adding, “The need for physical warmth during cold days and thus finding a partner helps do it.” This trend originally originated in an ancient culture where finding companionship was believed to be important for survival in cold days.

Gen Z’s perspective on hoops season has shifted from an emphasis on short-term flings to one about authenticity and thoughtfulness. Their dating style has also been influenced by social media trends such as soft launch and benching. By popularizing the idea through hashtags, memes, and conversation, social media and dating apps are greatly amplifying the trend of cuffing season, creating a shared cultural experience.

With customized features and marketing, these apps help normalize the idea of ​​finding a temp company. “While dating apps use the season as a marketing tactic, motivating short-term, seasonal partnerships, platforms like Instagram highlight romantic events that heighten social comparison and FOMO (fear of missing out),” Siddharth added.

The idea that the relationships formed this season are fleeting is a mistake. These relationships have the potential for long-term commitment, but societal pressures and internet culture often encourage people to keep them casual and short-term. “These relationships can definitely become long-term, and based on my own experience coaching people in their dating life, 63% of people have expressed willingness to be in a long-term relationship this season,” notes Siddharth.