I think a part of the appeal of cuffing season is that winter can get quite lonely without us realising it. Between the sun setting at 4pm, the days getting shorter, the weather colder, and the fact nobody seems particularly keen on ever leaving the house anymore, how could we not fall into a routine of going to lectures and then straight back into bed. And while having someone to spend those evenings with sounds lovely, we can sometimes confuse wanting a relationship, with simply wanting company.

However, we sometimes forget about the relationships we already have. It is easy to fool ourselves by the idea that winter is more enjoyable when you are in a relationship. Especially, as the festive season rolls around, everything seems to revolve around couples. Although, we can never take for granted when your housemate makes you a cup of tea, a chilly night out with friends, or a long phone call with someone back home. It is important to remember, companionship in winter doesn’t necessarily need to be romantic!

Words by Catrine Essey

Studies into Seasonal Affective Disorder suggest that winter can really play havoc with your emotions.

Lower serotonin levels, increased melatonin, and that inevitable Instagram post of your ex kissing someone else on a Winter Wonderland Ferris wheel can make even the strongest soldiers feel the urge to “cuff” during the colder months. Add to that the fact that some of the most beloved Christmas films are built around picture-perfect love stories starring impossibly beautiful people, where everything somehow works out by the final scene, and it’s easy to see why romance feels especially appealing at this time of year.

However, it’s important not to force feelings for someone simply because of festive excitement or the pressure to fit neatly into the seasonal romance narrative. As a devoted Girl in Red fan, falling in love in October has always been something of a personal life goal, but the reality is that ideas like these are often more about aesthetics than genuine connection. The true beauty of a relationship isn’t found in matching scarves, Christmas market dates, or New Year’s kisses. It’s found in authentic feelings that exist independently of the season, social expectations, or whatever trend is currently dominating your TikTok feed.

Winter has a way of convincing us that being coupled up is the key to happiness, but companionship comes in many forms. The warmth and comfort we crave during the colder months don’t have to come from a romantic relationship. Friendships, family, and even the relationship you have with yourself can be just as fulfilling.

So, my advice to any fellow hopeless romantics is simple: remember your worth, and don’t let the season convince you that you’re missing out. Embrace winter in ways that genuinely make you happy. Never underestimate the value of treating yourself to a hot chocolate, wrapping up in a blanket, and spending a cosy evening with friends. The magic of winter isn’t reserved for couples, and neither is the joy that comes with it.

words by Stella Cowley

Image taken by Ellis Campion.