Tis the season for giving thanks, drinking hot cocoa with family and friends, watching an assortment of leaves decorate the pavement, and, of course, for cuffing. Yes, cuffing season has finally arrived.

For those who are not aware, cuffing is basically settling down into a relationship. It’s called “cuffing season” because this relationship is usually temporary. Whether or not the relationship continues is completely up to the couple once the season is over. Cuffing season lasts through the duration of autumn and winter but, “traditionally,” begins to come to an end once temperatures become warm enough for girls to wear shorts again.

For those who take part in the season of cuffing, the year typically goes like this: Fall is spent trying to find that one person, cute and qualified enough, to cuff. By winter, the cuffing and cuddling is in full affect. However, couples can’t allow themselves to fall too deeply into their emotions because, come spring, the love birds begin to part ways and sing a different tune. In spring, the weather becomes warmer, skirts become shorter, and the thought of a serious relationship becomes less attractive. By summer-time, the excitement of being single fully kicks in for those who were once so keen on cuffing. With a party to attend nearly every weekend and the chance to meet new people, not many people want to be tied down to a boyfriend or girlfriend.

fter summer…well, I think you get it: The cycle restarts in the fall once school is in session, and the search for a new boy or girl begins once again.

I admit that having that one person with whom you can drink hot cocoa at football games with is nice and having someone who can help keep your mind busy during lonely, boring snow days is also a very nice idea. However, that’s the best you’ll get from me, as I think cuffing season is simply another sorry excuse to be in a temporary relationship and a waste of one’s emotions.

Of course, some people begin genuine relationships in the fall and winter, and often these couples’ break-ups (because they always have break-ups) have nothing to do with warm weather and the desire to be single. These couples’ break-ups are for legitimate reasons. I give props to these couples.

I honestly see cuffing season as a waste of time and emotions. One’s emotions towards a supposed significant other are not to be determined by changes in the weather. If someone wants a boyfriend or girlfriend, then it should be an honest attraction, not a desire to not feel lonely during the winter; that’s the purpose of a cat or a dog.

It’s easy to be drawn into the idea of cuffing season since so many people are involved in it, but the thought of getting into a relationship knowing it will end in a couple of months is just an utter waste.