The weather is getting colder, socially acceptable attire is becoming more conservative, and the usage of dating sites is exponentially growing. What does this mean? What is the correlation? Ladies and gents, we're slowly but surely entering...cuffing season.

It's the season where summer Becky with the good hair now has a high pony and is bundled in layers. No longer interested in that summer fling or harmless hookup, everyone's on the prowl for their winter cuddle buddy.

What is the science behind cuffing season? Is it just the weather that changes the foundations and morals young adults live and swear by?

Sure, the cold breeze makes people more likely to cover up and less likely to feel constantly hot and bothered, but is this the primary reason? Or is it just exhaustion after the long, sweat-induced months of summer?

Whatever the reason, people are either rekindling a past romance or trying to spark up a new one.

If they didn't feel the need to cuff you down during Summer, they sure as hell don't deserve you during Winter.

Don't let their Winter warmth make you forget their Summer ice.

Don't let yourself fall prey to the cuff.

Your single friends are dropping like flies and you feel pressure to join them, but don't underestimate the power of pizza and Netflix.

Pizza can make you feel equally as warm, happy, and filled on the inside, while Netflix keeps you entertained and engaged with several different character developments. Why would you just settle for just one?

Don't feel the need to hit up Noncommittal Nate, Playa Pat, or Emotional Eric because honey, just because your friends are settling for a warm body this winter, doesn't mean you have to.

Let that peppermint hot chocolate give you tingly sensations.

Let your neighbor's dog be the best cuddle you've ever had.

Let your gym sessions be the only workout you're forced into.

Let Christmas music be the only thing that fills your ears with romantic lies.

Let Michael Buble be the only man that calls you baby for one season then vanishes for the others.

Don't let Indecisive Ian come back knocking on your door. Slam that door shut and keep the cold out.

Don't let yourself settle just because you feel the need to conform like the rest of this dependent society. Sure, it's easy to be a little independent diva during Summer, but the truly impressive feat is being an independent winter goddess during Winter.

Cuff responsibly kids.