The Downsides of Cuffing Season Relationships

When wearing winter cuffs is a bad idea

As the weather begins to warm up, many people who began a cuffing season relationship — which is a short-term relationship that someone has during the winter months — may find that their lust has thawed and they’re ready to heat things up elsewhere. But that doesn’t mean they’ll leave the relationship unscathed. Although cuffing season relationships are short, they can still be the source of certain problems and drama. I spoke to five relationship experts who outlined the following downsides of being in a cuffing season relationship.

Intense Lust May Cause Intense Pain

Since desires and hormones are likely peaking during a cuffing season relationship, you might end up suffering. This can either be your peak or your downfall based on how well you’re able to control your own emotions and evaluate a situation. I’ve witnessed far too many couples fly too high too soon and end up broken apart — a short, but intense, relationship that proves to be a chore to get over. This kind of heartbreak is unlike any other and hits you unexpectedly around when cuffing season ends. You’ll have to repeatedly stop and ask yourself, “Where is this going? Am I really prepared?”

-Sameera Sullivan, relationship expert

“Even if that person isn’t the best choice, you end up getting stuck in that rut.” — Gila “Weezy” Shlomi

Relationship May Get Messy

Cuffing season is temporary — it comes and goes, just like any other season. There’s nothing wrong with looking for or wanting short-term relationships, but there is a risk involved when people don’t communicate their expectations and desires. Just like with summer flings, everyone isn’t always on the same page about where they want things to go, which can potentially lead to messy results. At the same time, if you enter a temporary relationship out of convenience, it might lead you to miss out on other opportunities that might be a better long-term fit.

-Dr. Justin Lehmiller, Resident Sex Researcher for ASTROGLIDE

“There’s nothing wrong with looking for or wanting short-term relationships, but there is a risk involved when people don’t communicate their expectations and desires.” — Dr. Justin Lehmiller

Relationship Has No Room to Grow

Since it is temporary, a cuffing season relationship will not be fully robust or offer room for growth. In relationships, especially over time, you really get to learn a lot about each other and grow together. Since there is a time stamp on cuffing season relationships, it can be quite difficult to really get to know each other deeply.

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

Relationship May Need to Be Kept Secret

You may be reluctant to introduce the person to friends or family because you don’t want to hear any criticisms or be judged. You may find yourself avoiding certain places because you don’t want to run into anyone that you know because the person you’re with may not appear to be your type.

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

“I’ve witnessed far too many couples fly too high too soon and end up broken apart — a short, but intense, relationship that proves to be a chore to get over.” — Sameera Sullivan

Too Much Attachment

A drawback of cuffing season relationships is that usually, one person is going to get super attached — you end up having spent so much time together that they’ve become a part of your routine. Do you really want to break up and have to go searching again? Even if that person isn’t the best choice, you end up getting stuck in that rut. So either be cautious in choosing or be ready to stick it out with them.

-Gila “Weezy” Shlomi, Co-Host of the Whoreible Decisions podcast

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