5 Scientific Reasons Behind Cuffing Season
Start writing a post
Swoon

5 Reasons 'Cuffing Season' Is A Lot More Than Meme Fodder, According To Science

Cold? Lonely? Feeling a sudden desire for companionship? There's a reason for that.

45
5 Reasons 'Cuffing Season' Is A Lot More Than Meme Fodder, According To Science

Though we may think of all the many pop culture references and memes when we hear the phrase "cuffing season," you might be surprised to hear that there is actually science behind the concept. In fact, there's quite a lot of it.

Here are 5 reasons everyone feels the need to get "cuffed up" when the weather gets colder:

We are constantly surrounded by outside influence and pressure.

Entertainment and advertising industries, as well as our own friends and families, prime us to believe we should have a special someone around this specific time of year. There are the jewelry commercials, which feature overly happy couples, the seasonal romantic comedies airing at all hours of the day, and the questions from relatives, which usually sound something like, "You dating anyone yet?" or maybe even, "When are you planning on giving us some grandkids?"

The association between the holiday season and romance makes sense. Holidays revolve around the idea of spending time with loved ones and spreading joy. And who wouldn't want to do that with a significant other?

We have a natural human need for safety and security.

Another explanation is that people crave the literal and figurative heat that being in a relationship provides. Snuggles are never bad, but when it's particularly cold outside, it really doesn't hurt to have a warm body to cuddle up next to. The desire to feel warmth during the winter months goes back to the most basic human need for safety and security. Being with someone during these months helps to satisfy that need.

Everyone knows winter is sad boi szn.

Feelings of sadness and loneliness also tend to increase during the colder months, and some people believe finding a partner might help to compensate for the negative emotions. Having a specific person you can depend on to hang out with is particularly helpful in combating feelings of isolation that might arise during the months when people tend to socialize less.

Our hormone levels change.

According to social psychologist, Dr. Justin Lehmiller, humans (particularly men) produce higher levels of testosterone in the fall season, which subsequently drive their urge to partner up.

We produce less serotonin.

Humans also produce lower levels of serotonin, or the "happy chemical," in the fall due to less exposure to sunlight, meaning pleasure must be sought out in other places… or people.

Whether or not you decide to seek out a significant other this cuffing season, remember to gear up: Winter is coming.

Follow Swoon on Instagram.

Report this Content
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58821
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37964
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959489
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

195265
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments