The Benefits of a Cuffing Season Relationship

Good reasons to get cuffed next winter

Every winter, some people embark upon cuffing season relationships, which are short-term relationships designed to keep them warm during those cold nights, as well as provide romantic company to spend the holiday season with. Although with springtime these trysts begin to thaw, there are some benefits to cuffing season relationships that you may want to consider next winter. I spoke to four sex and relationship experts who told me the good reasons for conducting a cuffing season relationship — or even thinking about short-term relationships all year round.

Intensity

Considering your desires and hormones are likely peaking, it’s perhaps one of the most intense times to get into a relationship. Whether it’s a fling or something serious, you can bet there’s going to be heavy chemistry propelling you forward.

-Sameera Sullivan, relationship expert

“There’s less opportunity to make assumptions and there are clear expectations from day one.” — Alisha Powell

Sexual Self-Care

Cuffing season comes with the emotional and physical benefits of having a new partner, which includes sexual experiences and the ability to form emotional connections. When it comes to intimacy, there are many sexual wellness benefits that pleasure and orgasm can provide. Regular orgasms can improve immune health, mental health, and sleep as your body produces oxytocin — a natural bonding love hormone that balances your mood.

Another great benefit orgasms provide is glowing skin. Orgasms increase blood flow in your body, carrying more oxygen in your blood cells throughout, giving your skin that glow and anti-aging benefits — especially as you invite orgasmic expression and a deeper connection to your body. This can offer great confidence from the inside out to bring into your new relationship, and another great reason to incorporate sexual self-care in tandem with a cuffing relationship.

-Megwyn White, Certified Clinical Sexologist and Director of Education for Satisfyer

“Whether it’s a fling or something serious, you can bet there’s going to be heavy chemistry propelling you forward.” — Sameera Sullivan

Combat Depression and Loneliness

In many parts of the world, cuffing season coincides with shorter days and less sunlight exposure, which are factors that can negatively affect mood. One hypothesis for why there is more interest in sexual and romantic relationships in the winter is that it is a way of counteracting those negative feelings. However, it may also be because this stretch of time covers a number of holidays on which people usually do not want to be alone, in part, because there may be societal or family pressure to be in a relationship.

-Dr. Justin Lehmiller, Resident Sex Researcher for ASTROGLIDE

Light and Fun Experience

Some of the benefits of cuffing season is that you can do relationship things without the expectations of a long-term relationship. There’s less opportunity to make assumptions and there are clear expectations from day one. Even in situations where there may not be a full conversation, both partners have an understanding that the relationship/entanglement/situationship has an end date. There is less of the back and forth that can happen when you are seriously considering someone for a long-term relationship. A cuffing season relationship is fun and easy because it doesn’t require a lot of vetting and chemistry. Conversations can stay lighthearted and fun, while the focus is on the present and enjoying the moment. It can be a great time to explore new activities and try new types of intimacy.

-Alisha Powell, PhD, LCSW, therapist and social worker

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