When the dark nights draw in and the temperature starts to drop, you can't even walk the dog without pulling on a million layers. For some, the idea of months inside with their partner is a dream come true, while others long for someone to share the chilly evenings with.
With that in mind, do the cold, winter months actually have an impact on our love lives? According to dating and relationship expert Kate Mansfield, they just might.
She says: "Cold weather evokes feelings of wanting to snuggle in front of a fire, cosiness and coupling up – which is how the concept of ‘cuffing’ came about.” Cuffing season is described as the time of year when people couple up to cope with a more secluded winter lifestyle.
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For the single pringles among you, Mansfield says there's a plus side to winter if you're unattached. “For singles, cold weather season is definitely much better for online dating,” she says.
Mansfield reasons that this is because “more people are available and in the mood for commitment”. So spice up your Tinder profile and get swiping.
The downside to winter dating is for those who prefer to lose the screens and meet in person. Clinical psychologist Dr Marianne Trent says feelings of lowered mood in winter may lead to social withdrawal – so you might meet fewer people, and therefore, fewer potential matches.
“Despite how you may feel because of the weather, just because everyone else is coupling up at this time, you don’t have to settle for substandard treatment or respect," Dr Trent reminds us. "You deserve happiness and kindness."
For those who are slightly more settled with a "situationship", whether that's a short-term thing, a fling or a "friends with benefits" arrangement, according to Mansfield, cold weather could signal settling. She says these arrangements could turn more serious during the darker and colder months.
"But beware," she warns. "This might not be a long-term change. For those who are hoping to turn your situationship into a real commitment, it will take more than a cold spell. You would need to have a real conversation about it"
“A healthy relationship is always based on a steady pace, solid friendship and having those difficult conversations up front to make sure that you’re on the same page. Don’t rush in too fast.”
There's good news for those in long-term relationships, too. Heading into the winter, we might be tempted by the idea of hibernation and luckily, those in relationships have the opportunity to share that with someone special to them.
"The cold weather for happy couples can be a romantic time, it can strengthen and increase the bond as we hunker down and hibernate together," says Mansfield.
Dr Trent is quick to remind people, however, that people shouldn't try to save the un-saveable just because they don't want to be alone during the winter. "If your relationship is on its last legs don’t use cuffing season as an excuse to stay,” she adds.
The cold season can be the perfect time to spend some time by yourself too, reflect on your past relationships and decide what you really want in life. Mansfield says: “It’s a great time to do you, do that deeper work and get out there to boost your relationship life - never settle no matter how cold it gets.”
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