How to Stay Confident Through Cuffing Season

oct 18, 2022

Fall is here, and when it comes to dating, that can only mean one thing: Cuffing season is right around the corner.

Once Halloween—a time that's actually great for those of us who are single—comes to a close, a much scarier, spookier (yet equally as full of ghosts) begins. Okay, if you're happily already in a couple, you probably aren't half bothered by the dread of cuffing season. In fact, you might even look forward to all of the cute and cozy date ideas that come along with it. But those same date ideas can cause a sense of dread in those of us still navigating the dark waters of the modern dating pool.

If you are one of said singles, though, there's no need to panic. You don't need to fear the period we refer to as "cuffing season," and definitely don't need to scramble to find a partner just so you can partake. Navigating this time—when everyone seems to be coupled up and giving each other gifts over the holidays and meeting each other's families, etc.—successfully comes down to your confidence, and thankfully we're here to help you out with some tips on how to stay confident through cuffing season.

1. Remember That Being Single Is Pretty Great

First, let's think about one key thing: why do you really want a partner to date anyway? Is it truly because you think you're ready for one? Or is it simply because our culture makes you think you want one? To stay confident through cuffing season, just remind yourself that being in a couple isn't all it's cracked up to be, while being single is actually pretty underrated. After all, it means more time to spend with your friends and family, more time to explore your hobbies and less time worrying about someone else or feeling the need to always text them back.

Shutterstock: Owner playing with cat while relaxing on modern couch in living room interior. Young man resting with pet in soft chair at home.

(via Shutterstock)

Also read About: 4 Easy Ways to Become More Confident

2. Do the Things You Would Do On a Date With Your Friends

Part of the pressure to find a partner during cuffing season is all the romanticized activities that come with this time of year, from pumpkin picking to devouring fall foods to gift giving during Christmas and everything else in between. While we will admit that it does sometimes feel good to have a romantic partner to snuggle up with when the weather is cold, that doesn't make it worth the pain of ending up in the wrong relationship that might just end at the start of spring anyway. Besides, you can do all the cute activities you might want to do with a date on your own or with friends! That means just as many amazing memories, and none of the regret if the relationship doesn't end up working out in the long run.

Shutterstock: Girls having fun at home, laughing.

(via Shutterstock)

Also read about: 6 Fall Activities You Can Do With or Without a Date

3. Remove the Pressure You Put On Yourself to Date

You're young, you're amazing and you have all the time in the world to focus on dating and finding the right partner, so why should you worry now? Just because the leaves have started changing and the sweaters and boots are coming out doesn't mean you need to force yourself to date if you don't want to—or worse, date someone you don't want to simply because the opportunity presented itself to you. Focus on yourself and doing what makes you happy during this time, and your confidence might just come out the other end better than it did before.

Shutterstock: Beautiful and cheerful adult young woman enjoy bike ride in sunny urban outdoor leisure activity in the city - happy people portrait - trendy female outside having fun

(via Shutterstock)

Need a little extra help to get through the pains of the "most wonderful time of the year?" Click HERE for your ultimate guide to surviving cuffing season.