We've been talking about "cuffing season" for the last decade or so, but winter has always been a time of coming together with other folks, as we stave off the cold or celebrate the holidays. It's totally normal to want a relationship or physical connection in general, but its even more common Novemberish-February.

Some of the most common reasons for pursuing a relationship or hookup this time of year are...

• having someone to cuddle up with when its cold out,
• A plus one for holiday events or gatherings
• And something to get excited about during the general gloom or isolation that worsens in the winter.

Hookups, dating, or a relationship can definitely have some positive impacts!

That being said, it is important to check-in with yourself about your goals, boundaries, and expectations, as well as any potential partners. You might want to ask yourself if dating is the right solution to what you're feeling, especially if you are looking for some cheer. Dating can actually be kind of stressful, and relationships can come with conflict. Reflect on how you might be impacted if things don't go according to plan, and then decide whether you still want to date or whether you want a more reliable/less "risky" solution. You can always lean on friends or family for companionship, or pursue new friendships, hobbies, or connections to the community!

Cuffing season is also a time when less committed situationships or hookups can become more serious relationships, as we feel a need for companionship during those winter blues. Whether it’s a brand new partner or an old one is a new capacity, establishing the goals and boundaries of the relationship is super important for making all involved parties comfortable and happy. Here are some tips:

• Know your own goals, boundaries, and expectations. You can even write them out, if that can help you communicate them to a partner or revisit them over time.

• Ask any partners about their goals, boundaries, and expectations! Part of the challenge of cuffing season is that we might assume a partner is looking for one thing (e.g. a fling or hookup) when they may want another (something long-term). Down the line, miscommunication here can cause unintentional harm to either party.

• Be vocal in general! Share the positive influence a person makes on your life (a compliment almost never hurts), but also where there's room for improvement.

• Remember to continuously ask for consent! This is always important, but maybe more so with hookups or less serious relationships. Check in always on what your partner is feeling, and express where you are at, as well!

On Campus

Dating at L&C can feel like it might be harder than other schools, as we are small, relatively isolated, and a little bit clique-y (less in the Mean Girls way and more in the only hanging out with an estabished friend group way).

Here are some L&C specific tips:

1. Hang out around campus, and say those compliments out loud! Just existing out and about on campus, and being friendly, might start a conversation!
2. Join clubs or attend events. This is a great way to meet folks with similar interests, and club engagement is often pretty low, so your involvement could make a big difference! Game nights or trivia can be a good, low-key option.
3. Don't be afraid to date off campus! Transportation can be tricky, but you can alway invite someone to the Tryon Creek Bar and Grill, Tryon park, or somewhere on the Pio route! This might also help you feel more like a part of the Portland community, if you get out an meet more folks in the city!
4. Use dating apps, but remember that we're a small campus, so we're bound to encounter each other on and off-line. Just be kind and respectful!