MINNEAPOLIS — There are just over two weeks left until Christmas. While many people are using the last few days to shop for gifts, others have their eyes on something more romantic.
A holiday market isn’t just a place to find gifts. It’s a seasonal setting for a date, as long as you’ve found one by now, in what’s known as “cuffing season” — defined by Merriam-Webster as “a period when singles look for short-term partnerships to get by.” the colder months of the year,” beginning around “October and lasting through Valentine’s Day.”
“It seems to be more popular with the younger crowd,” says Wendy Schoewe, owner of Minneapolis Singles, a matchmaking agency that has been helping people match up for decades.
Why do people seek relationships this time of year?
“I think there’s a number of reasons. I think there’s the loneliness factor when the weather is cold. There aren’t as many outdoor activities,” Schoewe said.
Despite Minnesotans’ desire to enjoy the outdoors in the winter, the cold can keep people from social events, reducing opportunities to meet other singles. The cold weather can also make people cranky, one shopper joked, making it difficult to be your true self.
“I think people feel pressure about the holidays and having someone to be with,” Schoewe said.
From company parties to family gatherings, there can be pressure not to show up alone.
“It’s nice to have that plus-one with you to those different events, to make it a little less awkward that you’re not the only ‘singleton,’ especially during the holidays,” says shopper Jennifer Schrader.
Is cuffing season a healthy way to date? People we spoke to have mixed feelings.
“I don’t necessarily think dating should be based on the time of year. I think you should look for the partner who compliments who you are, and that can happen at any time,” Schrader said.
Another customer looked at the other side of the coin.
“I feel like as long as that’s kind of the plan for both people, I think that’s fair,” the customer said.
The problem arises when one person plans to end the relationship in the spring, while the other expects it to last much longer.
How can someone make sure their winter cuff isn’t a temporary relationship? Schoewe said the advice is the same regardless of the time of year.
“It just means being very open and honest. Communication and making sure you have the same long-term goals,” she said.
The holidays are also a prime time for romance scams. Thieves prey on loneliness. Schoewe said people should be especially careful this time of year when meeting someone online.