Belgians are approaching what has become known as the 'cuffing season' during the colder, winter months when people are more compelled to start relationships.
A term that originated in the United States, it is now a concept that has been introduced and embraced by Europeans. Here in Belgium, around 60% of people who took part in a recent poll on the topic said that they had enjoyed a carefree summer as a single person but would be looking to get “cuffed” to a temporary partner from the onset of Autumn.
The colder months mean more time inside and many find the idea of hibernating alone to be less than ideal. Finding a temporary partner for the period between October and Valentines Day in February, one of the most popular “de-cuffing” dates, provides one with comfort and companionship during the darkness of winter.
Once spring comes round again, it is time to step out into the awakening world and enjoy the coming summer as a single person.
There are of course no rules in love, and no one is safe from finding his or her soul mate during the cuffing season, but in general most relationships started during this time will be short-lived.
Related News
This is in effect the whole principle of cuffing: most couples stay together until Valentine's Day which is often perceived as the point in which a casual relationship reaches its crossroads. Most cuffing couples will choose this point to assess whether they take a serious step to remain together or go their separate ways as first planned.
Cuffing season is also very close to another trend, also originating in the United States: snow-globing, the principle of which is in fact the same as with the cuffing season but more specific since it is a question of finding a partner so as not to spend the holidays alone.
Indeed, the pressure – exerted by the family and society as a whole – to be in a relationship can be particularly felt at this time of year. This pressure can combine with the real anxiety that some people get from Christmas, which psychologists have even given a name: natalophobia, to make the holiday season an unpleasant experience to tackle alone.
Snow-globing helps to alleviate both the pressure of arriving as a single person to events filled with families and couples and provides support at a time when some people suffer with seasonal stress.
