Cuffing Season Is Here—How To Avoid The Wrong Relationship This Winter

Let's be honest, when Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce went public at the end of summer we all thought the same thing: are we about to get an unforgettable loved-up new album—or is this relationship just for "Cuffing Season"?

As the weather turns colder, even the most devout singleton feels obliged to find a partner, with one YouGov survey finding that 41 percent of Americans were firm believers in coupling up through fall and winter. Relationship expert Sophie Cress told Newsweek that people have "a longing for closeness and intimacy" in the colder months, which draws them towards short-term romances which aren't too serious.

Indeed, Cress, a licensed marriage and family therapist for SexualAlpha, a sexual wellness company, explained that while cuffing romances can be fun, they aren't always meant to last. Here, Newsweek speaks to the experts about how to ensure you don't fall for the wrong person this fall and winter.

What To Avoid When Cuffing Up

As much as you may want to recreate what "Tayvis" have, Cress, from North Carolina, has shared the key things for any cuffer to avoid.

"It's essential to refrain from settling for a relationship that doesn't meet your core requirements and values. Don't overlook red flags or compromise your standards due to the fear of being alone at this time of year," she told Newsweek.

"It's important to be cautious when it comes to physical intimacy or emotional vulnerability, especially if a strong foundation hasn't been established. During the holiday season, the warm and cozy atmosphere can accelerate the pace of a relationship, leading to deeper involvement without proper understanding or compatibility."

As with any relationship, people shouldn't forget about other parts of their lives, either. Just because you've now got someone to binge watch the latest Netflix releases with, doesn't mean you should abandon your other friendships and hobbies.

Don't forget, cuffing season will eventually come to an end, so you don't want to be left with nothing to do once the seasons change.

"Maintaining a balanced life ensures that your happiness and fulfillment don't become too reliant on a seasonal relationship. I also advise people to consider their intentions because it's important to differentiate between genuine affection and a mere desire to avoid loneliness."

While Cress doesn't see anything wrong with coupling up for cuffing season, it's vital that both parties are clear in their intentions from the start, and want the same thing.

"As long as both individuals understand the nature of their relationship, cuffing can be a mutually satisfying arrangement," she added.

How To Know You're in the Wrong Relationship

Whether you've already taken the leap and cuffed up with that person from the gym, or the friend you only see at weddings, Cress urges people not to overlook red flags they wouldn't normally accept in any other relationship.

She said: "A positive relationship should add value to your life, not detract from it, so it's important to have a clear understanding of what a healthy, fulfilling one means to you. Defining and imposing personal boundaries is essential. They act as a filter to weed out individuals who fail to respect your limits and values."

Cress says red flags include sacrificing your morals, a feeling of dissatisfaction, and a lack of mutual respect. The romance may only be temporary, but that doesn't mean you should settle for an unhealthy dynamic.

Fear The Serial Cuffer

While this might be your first experience of cuffing, not everyone else will be new to the game, so be wary of those who know the season all too well.

Newsweek spoke to Alana Carvalho, a licensed mental health counselor who specializes in working with couples, as she warns people not to confuse a short-term fling for something more meaningful. Cuffers are looking for someone to "have an enjoyable time" with, but they aren't necessarily looking for love.

Carvalho said: "Look out for people who chronically get into relationships just during cuffing season but don't pursue the relationships outside of this time. Someone with a history of not committing long-term is most likely to repeat this pattern with someone new.

"Avoid thinking that someone who is looking for something fun is really interested in a longer-term relationship. Often, we trick ourselves into thinking we'll somehow change this person, when in reality, people are likely to behave the same way they always have."

And as for Taylor and Travis? Cress believes their romance suggests "a more substantial connection."

She said: "Their relationship is not a response to seasonal loneliness that characterizes cuffing season. Instead, their connection has developed naturally over time, with a genuine interest in exploring the potential of a long-term partnership."

Finally, Cress offers one last piece of advice for all those diving head-first into this cuffing season, as she urges people to "be wary of rushing into a relationship without fully understanding what you want out of it, even if it is cold outside."

So while you might be feeling enchanted now, just be sure that cuffing season doesn't get the better of you—or leave you trying to shake it off come spring.

Do you have a relationship dilemma? Let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek