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Cuffing Season Is Coming: 5 Pro Tips To Prepare Your Love Life

Summer’s over and cuffing season is finally here

It’s that time of year again. The leaves are falling, the weather is changing, and the Pumpkin Spice Lattes are emerging. All of that can only mean one thing, cuffing season is here. Yes, friends, with the changing of the weather comes the changing of the romantic season, as we shift from summer fun in the sun to committed partnerships, almost overnight.

Cuffing season is the time of year usually starting around September when there is a sudden scramble among single people to find a partner. So, what causes this almost imperceptible shift in the romantic climate? It usually comes down to the fear of facing the impending winter months and various important holidays alone. And, let’s be real, bringing a partner home for the holidays not only guarantees you a seat at the adults’ table, but it also might just keep your Uncle Joe on his best behaviour. It may even temporarily stave off the when are you going to meet a nice (girl or guy) and settle down questions. Not to mention you have a couch potato partner for all those cold, lonely, and generally desolate winter nights between holidays.

We get it, it’s tempting. But, the catch to cuffing season is that many people are just interested in a partner, not necessarily the partner. And, being a placeholder simply to fill a seat at a table or the hole of someone’s loneliness can get old pretty quickly.  So, how can you stave off the siren song of this season? Check out these 5 Pro Tips below!

1. Figure Out What You Want

Cuffing Season
@ Getty Images

Being in a relationship during cuffing season isn’t a bad thing, but being in a relationship because of cuffing season, well that’s something else. So, before the musical chairs’ madness of the seasons begins, take a moment to think about what you genuinely want.

If you do want a partner, then think about what qualities would create long-term compatibility. You want to be with someone for a reason, not just a season. Making a list can help you get your thoughts organized and figure out the details that are actually important to you in a relationship. What qualities do you want your partner to possess? What do you need and want out of a relationship? And then think about why you even want to be in a relationship at this time in your life. If the answer revolves around anything about staving off loneliness or the seat at the adult’s table scenario, then maybe this isn’t the right time for partnership.

Timing in life can be everything, and there are times in our lives when partnership just isn’t a good option for us. So much of having a good relationship with others revolves around us having first and foremost a good relationship with ourselves. And maybe that is the relationship you will need to work on this cuffing season.

2. Don’t Settle

Cuffing Season
@ Getty Images

So, now that you’ve figured out what you genuinely want, stick to your guns! If the choice is between coupling up with someone you aren’t that interested in, or who doesn’t seem that interested in you, or being single. Stick with being single! While partnering up may seem like a solution to some of your winter month problems, generally cuffing relationships turn out to be far more trouble than they are worth.

Once the season ends one or both parties are in a relationship they quickly realize they never wanted to be in. Hurt feelings, harsh words, and hurtful behaviors generally ensure causing all sorts of chaos. So, go with your gut. If something inside you says that getting with this person feels an awful lot like settling, then go with that feeling. It is better to be single than to be the wrong person, trust us on that one.

3. Fill Your Calendar

calendar
@ iStock

Ready–Set–Book! Finding a few (or many) things to fill your calendar with is a great way to ward off loneliness during the fall and winter months. Even if you end up not attending all the events or parties you initially plan to, at least you will have the option. And, sometimes that is all it takes.

Sometimes the winter months can feel bleak, with shorter, darker days and more people spending their evenings in instead of out, the loneliness of singledom can feel amped up. But having a few things on your calendar gives you some things to look forward to.  It provides assurance that you will not waste away alone in your cave, which, let’s be honest, is sometimes how winter months can feel. Many cities and towns have all kinds of fall and winter events, lots of people plan parties and you can even offer to host a few of your own! And remember, you don’t have to do every single thing you come up with on your list, but even having the option can really help with the winter loneliness.

4. Feather Your Nest

Cosy home
Stock Image

Feathering your nest is all about making your home and life as comfy as possible before the cold winter months arrive. With shorter days sometimes our energy is just not the same. Think about it, the winter is generally a time of rest. The animals are hibernating, the plants are tucked away for the winter, and everything is resting. That means sometimes we just aren’t as motivated to go out on the town as we are during the active summer months. We tend to stay close to our cave, aka our homes. So why not make that home as comfortable and entertaining as possible? Fill your home with fun activities and crafts, stock up on books from your must-read list, and check out upcoming Netflix series. Then you can think about how to make your cave comfy, some fall candles and decor paired with some fuzzy blankets can make your home feel warm and inviting. Make your home a place you really want to be, and then it will feel more like a pleasure than a punishment to stay in.

Feathering your nest means not just filling your home with things that make you feel comfy and cozy, but that you fill your life with people that make you feel that way too. Then you know that if loneliness starts to call, you can put it on hold and call a friend instead. Reach out to your friend network or attend some festivities to make a new one! Make sure you have friends or family nearby to create an impromptu holiday movie fest with, to grab a coffee and a hike with, or to create a trivia or game night crew! Making sure your nest is feathered with fun, festivities, and friends is how you can and will make it through cuffing season single and thriving!

5. Make Alternative Plans

Cuffing seasonOne of the top reasons for Cuffing Season is the allure of not having to face family functions alone. Which, while understandable, begs the question, why? If family functions are that much of a downer for you, is attendance really mandatory? A lot of people in the Millennial and Gen Z generations are taking a good, long look at if facing the family fortress, is really in their best interest. Because here’s the thing, there is no law that says you have to go home for Christmas. There is no rule that says interaction with family over holidays is mandatory.

You get to choose how much or little time you spend with your family. So, if you find yourself going to drastic lengths to ease the pain of family functions, such as beginning an entire relationship you’re not that into, then now is the time to re-examine your plans.

Many people opt, instead of white-knuckling their way through a family holiday, to instead enjoy time with friends at events like Friendsgivings. You could also check out what events your neighbourhood, town or city has going on during the holidays. There could be day festivals and volunteer opportunities or, if you don’t see anything you like, why not create your own? Maybe you can be the answer that others are looking for! It’s a great way to get creative, meet new people and avoid the annual family feud. Maybe you could have a luau-themed Thanksgiving, or a Christmas Day BBQ, why stick to tradition? And doesn’t all of that sound like a lot more fun than an awkward holiday with your family with a partner you’re not that into by your side? It does! So, put on your planning hat and start making alternative plans!

Cuffing season can be tricky, but with these 5 Pro Tips, you can navigate this time with festivities and fun instead of cuffing and chaos! Give these tips a try and see how you not only can survive cuffing season, you can thrive in it!

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Featured Self Care

Fall Trends That Double As Self Care

5 fall trends to make sure you always look and feel the bomb!

Let’s be real, fashion isn’t always the most comfortable; stiletto heels, botox, fake eyelashes. There are lots of things we do to look good that don’t always feel so good. But these 5 Fall Fashion Trends actually do both! So, check out these fashion trends that double as self-care, because they will have you looking AND feeling good all fall!

1. Pumpkin Bath Bomb

fall trends
© Lush

Who doesn’t love a good bath bomb? So, how about a festive fall-themed one to celebrate the season? Well, don’t worry, cosmetic companies are way ahead of us! For example, Lush cosmetics features a pumpkin-themed bath bomb, full of all the fizzy, fun, and fall-themed self-care we want in our lives.

But the bath bomb doesn’t just look good, it’s made to make us feel good. The pumpkin powder softens skin, the cinnamon leaf oil is warming, and the lime oil adds a hint of zest to your life and your skin! Plus, it’s totally affordable. Check out this fall trend that is taking over the charts, and our bathtubs.

Lush makes a great one as pictured, as does the Body Shop and several others. So, stock your bathroom with this fall-flavored self-care trend that will have you looking and feeling fresh all season.

2. Oversized Sweaters

fall trends
© Everlane

Finally a fall fashion trend we can get behind! Goodbye constraining summer wear, hello comfy fall wardrobe. These oversized sweaters are here to stay and we could not be more thrilled. Cozying up in some fall designer fashion that actually feels good, is something we definitely can get excited about. These oversized sweaters are great with leggings, jeans, and even skirts.

They are chunky, knit, and oh so comfy. Not only do they feel soft on the skin, but they are also soft on the psyche, as loose-fitting, knit clothing can actually mimic the effects of a blanket for us. It can help us feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed, and that is something we could all use a little more of right now.

So, check out these oversized sweaters of luxury in stores of all kinds. We found this cutie in Forever 21 but they are truly everywhere, from Free People to Pacsun. Find your color, find your fit, and find your style because you are probably going to be needing several of these.

3. Organic Fall Scented Candles

fall trends for 2022Fall is in the air and with these candles not only will it feel like it, but it will smell like it too! Fall-scented candles are always a trendy fall go-to, and when they are organically made, that’s even better.

Also, aromatherapy is amazing for decreasing stress and increasing joy. They have proven aromatherapy cures all kinds of ills, everything from a stinky apartment to migraines. So, what better way to ring in the fall festivities than with a fancy-smelling apartment? Self-care really is the gift that keeps on giving and this fall-scented candle trend is exactly the kind we need this season. P.F. Candle Co has an awesome variety, including the ‘Apple Picking’ candle shown above. Voluspa also has some dreamy varieties.

Just follow your nose! But wherever your scent takes you, just make sure to peruse the ingredients list to make sure there are no pesky pesticides, parabens, added fragrances, or sulfates. We want to keep our self-care squeaky clean and organic candles, are exactly that.

4. Fuzzy Boots

Sorel Caribou boots
© Sorel

Fuzzy boots are back! In our minds, they never fully left, but there was definitely a lull between The Hills days of Uggs and the boots making their comeback this fall. But, they are back and there are more fuzzy booted varieties than ever! Not only are they warm but they are very comfortable. We all know that women’s footwear isn’t always the most foot-friendly (stillettos, heeled boots and even tight-fitting ballet flats can be tough on the ol’ toes), but these fuzzy boots are made to please.

There are a wide variety of colors, styles, and brands but one thing they all have in common is that they are sure to be seen all over this fall and winter season. They are definitely one fall trend we are here for. Fuzzy and fashion? Yes, please.

Brand-wise, there are the classic Ugg’s, or the extra fuzzy Sorels as pictured above. Even Dr. Scholls and Birkenstock’s are getting in on the action if you’re looking for comfort that goes above and beyond.

5. Pumpkin Spice Lip Care

fall trends
© Thrive Causemetics

Pumpkin spice lattes are a fall staple, but pumpkin spice lip care? Now we’ve seen it all! Pumpkin spice lip care is making its debut and we are ready to wear it, loud and proud. Not only will it give you the perfect pucker for fall, it actually improves the health of your lips. Pumpkin is a major player in the self-care game because it is chock full of vitamins and this spicy little treat includes warm vanilla and cinnamon. The balm helps heal lips while highlighting their best qualities.

Because one thing we can guarantee that will not be on any fall trends list this year is chapped lips. It’s not a good look, babe. But plump, pumpkin spice lips? Now that’s more like it! Plus Thrive Causemetics as pictured above, is completely cruelty-free and vegan and they make sure their products have no parabens and no problems.

Fall trends that double as self-care? Tell us we are dreaming! But no, as we’ve seen even though those products may make you look and feel dreamy, they are oh so real. Check them out today and make your next fall fashion trend, self-care, because it truly never goes out of style.

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Featured Self Care

5 Dating Apps You Need to Try: Say Goodbye to Tinder!

Swiping left is so last season. If you’re tired of the hookup culture of Tinder-type dating apps, then you are not alone!

More and more contemporary daters are looking for ways to connect more deeply with potential partners and for something more than the often solely looks-based ‘swipe left or right’ culture. If that’s you, then no worries because we get it. We get it so much in fact that we have compiled a list of five hot dating apps that you have to try. The apps boast higher chances of success and lower chances of being grossed out. So, have a look and see which app might be right for you and your love life!

1. Hinge

Hinge
Image Via Hinge

Hinge is a dating app with a premise as simple as its logo. It’s the dating app ‘meant to be deleted.’ The whole point of a dating app is to find love and get the heck off the thing. So, why waste time? Hinge is here to help you get down to business, get your partner, and get out.

Hinge boasts a whopping 1.2 million users nationwide so they must be doing something right. The app features profiles with questions, photos, and even voice prompts so you can hear the voice of your soon-to-be beloved.

Best of all, it’s free! It costs nothing to join or use. There is a premium option that does require payment, but it also unlocks the filter feature, so you can set it to filter out anyone that is not your ideal religion, political view, or even height! It’s pretty advanced. It also boasts that 72% of its first dates lead to a second date, implying its ability to match up compatibles, is pretty high. So, ditch the guesswork, and get the phenomenal filtering power of Hinge.

2.  Match.Com

 

Match.com Dating apps
Image via Match.com

Match.com boasts over a million babies born thanks to their services. That’s a lot of babies! They also claim to have ‘led to more dates, relationships, and marriages’ overall than their competitors. It’s all right there in their promo video, along with lots of reasons their users joined and what they were specifically looking for.

Match is considered to be one of the more ‘serious’ dating sites, as in if you want to get serious with someone, this is the app for you. It is definitely not the hookup culture of some of the others, this app is meant for those who are ready to get committed. So if that’s you, then this app might be your perfect match.

P.S. There is a free version but to access all of its benefits many users opt for the advanced paid option.

3. E-Harmony

eHarmony Dating apps
Image Via eHarmony

“Every 14 minutes someone finds love on E-Harmony.” That’s a whole lot of love! E-Harmony is another dating app that is pretty on par with Match as far as success rate. It could have something to do with the intentions of its users. Similarly to Match, E-Harmony app users are generally looking for long-term commitment and relationships. No one-night swipes here!

In fact, in 2018 E-Harmony won the ‘Highest Quality Dating Pool’ survey. The app provides extensive profiles with photos and in-depth questions to determine long-term compatibility. Questions like religion, political views, kids/no kids, height, weight, and even astrological signs. The basic version is free but to get more bang for your buck, it’s recommended to get the advance paid version as it gives more access to benefits.

4. Bumble

bumble
Image via Bumble

Bumble is the ladies’ choice of dating app. While either party can express their initial interest, once matched it is up to the ladies to speak first or forever hold their peace. If not, the match simply disappears within 24 hours. It’s like speed dating via an app. The goal is to keep long, lagging, pen pal-type situations from occurring. It also ensures that women are not inappropriately pursued by anyone they are not interested in. It’s an extra layer of safety embedded right into the app’s mainframe. Isn’t technology great?

Aside from that, the app boasts extensive profiles with spaces for multiple pictures. Bumble also consistently ranks in the top five lists for success rates and user satisfaction. So, if you’re tired of your dating app experience feeling more like an ambush than a choice, then take back control and give Bumble a try.

5.  Elite Singles

 

elite singles dating apps
Image Via Elite Singles

Elite Singles, as the name implies, is exactly that, for elite singles! This app aims to curate the most ‘elite’ dating user pool it can. It boasts that 85% of its users are university graduates and their success rate is equally as impressive. They also provide daily profile checks to ensure their users are real and really safe. Their tagline is also “serious online dating for single professionals.” No mincing words there, this app is for the serious dater, who is looking to get serious with their special someone.

Elite Singles also has a premium feature that allows for advanced filtering, so if you are looking for a partner in a certain age range or religion, it can help you find them without having to comb through hundreds of incompatible profiles. It also includes personality testing to help create matches based on long-term compatibility. If you’re looking to get serious, then this app could seriously be for you.

With hundreds of dating apps, millions of users, and endless profiles, it can get overwhelming, not to mention frustrating. When you are looking to get serious and everyone you meet is just playing games, it can make dating a real chore. Thankfully, these five dating apps will help you say goodbye to Tinder and the wild world of swiping for good. Instead, get ready to say hello to a fun dating life and just maybe, your special someone!

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Featured Self Care

Reality TV Dating Shows Currently Casting

Are you tired of looking for love in all the wrong places? Well, why not find love on one of these reality TV dating shows?

Sometimes making big changes means taking big steps outside of our comfort zone, and finding love on reality tv dating shows–is pretty far out of most people’s comfort radius. So, what about you? Are you willing to put it all on the line for love? If so, we just happen to have a list of the hot dating and marriage shows, looking for someone just like you! And who knows, maybe your special someone is looking too.

The Bachelor/Bachelorette

Reality Tv Dating Shows
© Bachelor Nation

Bachelor Nation (the official producer’s website) for The Bachelor and Bachelorette has made their announcement, if you are single and looking, they are looking for you! Both shows are currently casting for their new seasons and if you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply now.

Eligibility requirements include age, availability for love, filming, and a few other finer print items. You can also nominate someone, so even if you are coupled up but you have a friend or family member who isn’t, here is their shot. Don’t miss out on your (or their) chance at love! Check out their requirements here and if you check all the boxes, apply here. 

Married at First Sight

Reality Tv Dating Shows
© Married at First Sight

Talk about a leap of faith. These hopeful singles not only meet their partner sight unseen, but they marry them too! No half-hearted commitments here, this modern-day matchmaking special pairs up its participants sight unseen and then weds them on the first day they meet.

So, if you’re tired of endless dating apps and lacklustre first dates, why not jump in, both feet first with Married at First Sight? There is a small catch however, you have to live in the city they are casting in. They are currently casting in Denver, but if you don’t live there, don’t worry, they are probably coming to a city near you soon. Married at First Sight, Love Is Blind and The Ultimatum are all under Kinetic Content which does their casting, so if you follow them on Instagram, you will be tuned in to all the casting action. They also have a few additional eligibility requirements of their own so make sure you peruse them before applying.

Also, keep in mind this is a legal marriage, with no loopholes, so if things don’t work out you will have to get a legal divorce. However, the show comes fully equipped with experts to match you and provide ongoing support every step of the way. What are you waiting for? Apply now! 

Love Is Blind

Reality Tv Dating shows
© Love is Blind

Are you tired of the shallow connections and the looks-obsessed superficial culture of the contemporary dating scene? Then do we have a show for you! Love Is Blind is a unique social experiment with one simple mission, to find out if love is really blind. The contestants date in pods that allow them to talk but with a wall separating them, they can’t see a thing. Then a few lucky couples find their special person and propose. The couples who do, get to be swept off to an undisclosed vacation location to find out if their emotional love can translate into the physical. When they return from vacation,  they get to move in together to a neutral location and see if they can take their love to the next level and combine their lives. If it all goes according to plan, they walk away from the show with a spouse and a very cool ‘how we met’ story.  So are you ready to see if love really is blind? Check out the cities they are heading to and apply!

Seniors Looking For Love

Reality Tv Dating Shows
© Casting Crane

Love isn’t just for the young, it’s for the young at heart! From the producers of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette comes a dating show just for the more experienced. According to Bachelor Nation, the official site of the producers, the company is now casting for their Seniors in Love show. The show has a few eligibility requirements so make sure to check over the fine print before applying, but if you are ready for the second half of your life and love to begin now, then apply here!

P.S. The same rules apply as with The Bachelor, if you don’t qualify but know someone who does you can nominate them. So, if your parent, aunt, uncle, spouse’s parent, or next-door neighbor, could use a special someone in their lives, now you know exactly where to go.

Mystery Vacation Match

Reality Tv Dating Shows
© Casting Crane

Those reality shows people are always thinking! Apparently, Kinetic Content, the producers that brought us Love Is Blind and Married at First Sight is now casting for a brand new dating show. The mysterious Instagram post promises us love in an exotic location and we are willing to bet just a little bit of drama. The post calls for all the ‘adventurous’ single men out there to raise their hands and use them to apply. So, if the cramped city life and dating scene are wearing you down, then now is your chance to get away. Follow the link to apply!

Now you know all the hot new dating shows looking for equally hot new cast members and guess what, one of them could be you.  What are you waiting for? Check out all the eligibility requirements and get to applying. True love awaits!

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Community Featured

Scorpio Season: 3 Reasons It’s Not As Bad As You’ve Heard

Approach Scorpio season with caution, but it’s not all bad

Scorpio can often get the “bad boy” rep of the Zodiac. Its dark and twisty desires, its reclusive nature, and its representation by the Death card in the Tarot doesn’t always make it a fan favourite. However, while it may initially seem intimidating, Scorpio season can actually be a force for good. Here are three reasons why Scorpio Season isn’t as bad as you’ve heard.

1. It Is A Time For Reflection

scorpio seasonScorpio is reclusive, thoughtful and, at times, isolated. But what’s so bad about that? In our lives, there are very few opportunities we get to step back so we can go within. Within our homes, within ourselves, and even within the inner recesses of our own thoughts, habits and patterns. Into those caverns that are just out of reach of our day-to-day life and our conscious thoughts. That’s right, the realm of the subconscious, Scorpio’s favourite.

So often the things we do confuse us, the choices we make, and the messes we seem to get ourselves into sometimes. But Scorpio season allows us to slow way down from our busy work-a-day lives and take some time for introspection and reflection. We are moving towards the new year, so what doesn’t get to come with us? Are there habits that don’t serve us, patterns we’d like to drop, or inner blocks we’d like to clear? Scorpio season is the perfect time to figure all that out.

Why not take a pass on the party scene this season, and instead grab a cosy blanket and journal? Get to know yourself again, Scorpio season is here to support you on your quest.

2. It Allows Us To Reinvent Ourselves

Scorpio SeasonScorpio is represented by the death card in the Tarot which is not always everyone’s favourite to see come across their spread. But all that death means is the end of a cycle, which is not always a bad thing. Think about it, weren’t you glad when that toxic relationship ended, or you quit that dead-end job, or even when you separated from that friend group that was holding you back?

Endings are simply gateways to new beginnings, and that is exactly what Scorpio season represents, a simple changing of the guard. When we begin to recognize patterns or habits that no longer serve us, we get a chance to make changes, and reinvent ourselves, if you will. We can decide we want to be more confident, more self-aware, or even take on new challenges. Perhaps during our time of deep reflection, we decide that a 9-5 job is no longer for us and instead we want to pursue our passion.

We get the opportunity to be whoever we want to be, because we have taken our “time in the dark” if you will, to figure out who that is. We get the chance t to show up on the other side of the season and the new year as the exact person we want to be. What a gift!

3. It Is The Darkness Before the Very Bright Dawn

Scorpio SeasonComing out of Scorpio season is a bit like coming out of a big hibernation and stepping into a new self. All of that time of reclusion if used correctly can give us huge insights into ourselves, our relationships, and our lives. So, what do we do with all that wisdom? We use it! We come out of the cave and reinvent ourselves. We see things from a new perspective and we get to walk out of our time within, to a bright new time on the out. Outside that is.

When things are ending it can often feel like a dark time in our lives. When we are left all alone to examine our choices, our behaviours and our patterning we can feel very isolated. Perhaps our old life is slipping away and that can include partners, friends, or even jobs, which does not always feel good.

Yes, Scorpio isn’t the sign of the scorpion for no reason. The departure of these things is not always tactful and the sting of the scorpion can really hurt. But it is all for the highest good because right on the other side of that darkness, is a very bright dawn indeed.

Think about when you had a painful breakup for example. It hurt right? For days, weeks, maybe even months, but eventually you came out of that dark place and moved to a place of perspective and understanding. You moved on to bigger and better. You grew from the experience, found strength, and maybe even a new partner to boot. You saw where in your life you could learn and grow, even if it wasn’t exactly pleasant. So one of the ways to make it through this season is to keep looking for the dawn, remember it’s coming, and look forward to it because it is well on its way!

Scorpio season doesn’t always get a warm welcome. But as is the case with many things that are good for us in the long run, it might be a little dark at the beginning, but by the end, we come out brighter than ever.