There is an interesting phenomenon that occurs during the late summer/early fall months. Singles start to feel pressure to take their love life more seriously. Those who might be dating a potential love interest begin to consider becoming exclusive, and those still searching either amp up the process or start panicking about being alone. I see it every year with my clients. And the one consistent thing I’ve observed is that more and more of them are turning to online dating to find love for the “cuffing season”. 

If you’ve never heard the term before, cuffing season is when people seek companionship to get them through the colder, darker months of the fall and winter. 

There’s just something about this time of year that makes us yearn for closeness and companionship. Maybe it’s the scent of all the pumpkin spice candles, or the plethora of Hallmark Christmas movies; maybe it’s the coziness of sharing a warm drink with someone fireside, or the idea of celebrating the holidays with someone special. Whatever the reason, more than ever, singles long to be coupled during this time of year.  

In 2024, I made a fall TV appearance on a DC news show, specifically to share my expertise about relationships, dating, and the phenomenon of cuffing season. You can check it out here. It was such a great experience, but it reminded me how online dating is especially valuable for this season of dating.  

It’s a romanticized time of the year, and nobody wants to be alone for it. So many singles will just jump into relationships during this season without considering the long-term viability of the match. They haven’t taken into account their relationship values, goals, and compatibility,  settling only for attraction in the moment to get them through. And of course, this inevitably ends in heartache down the road.

But real, lasting love can be found during cuffing season if you have a clear dating strategy. And in my opinion, online dating can be the best tool for that strategy.

Here are 4 advantages of online dating when looking for lasting love during cuffing season. 

1. More singles are online during cuffing season than at any other time of the year.

   While New Year’s Day sees the highest online dating activity, dating apps and websites report a spike in active users all throughout cuffing season. More people are getting on, for the same reason you are… mostly. Yes, some are looking just for companionship, or a date for holiday gatherings, so their family will stop asking them why they’re “still single”. 
   
   But many, many singles are taking advantage of the increased online activity to look for lasting love. Which means, you’re Mr./Mrs. Right could be looking for you right now. 
   
   Last year, I had several of my clients (many 50+ years of age) meet their true love partner in the October-November timeframe. And this has happened consistently over the past decade.
   
   

2. Online dating is the most convenient way to meet potential love interests.

   In most areas of the US, it’s getting cold this time of year. The idea of getting dressed up, then bundling up, and sludging through potentially bad weather just to hopefully meet someone is not as appealing as it is in spring and fall. Most of us are done with the adventurous spirit for the season and just want things to be comfortable and easy. 
   
   With online dating, you can review profiles, vet the candidates, and begin getting to know someone all without the stress & worry of going out, often in inclement weather.  It has its own complications, of course, so you still have to do your due diligence. Your profile needs to be well-written, clearly about your priorities, values, and goals. And you still have to commit to those when looking at potential matches. And you can do it from the comfort of a couch or while enjoying the warmth of your fireplace
   
   

3. You have more control over who you interact with and the pace at which you get to know them.

   Public spaces and social gatherings can be awkward, especially when you are clearly looking to meet someone special. You never know who you might interact with if you are relying on meeting strangers in bars, clubs, and even church singles mixers. 
   
   Online dating allows you to only interact with matches you have reviewed, screened, and feel good about. You get to decide if and when to meet in person. And if you are focusing on shared values, goals, and compatibility before you meet up, you are less likely to rush into a relationship based on physical attraction alone. 
   
   You still have to be careful when interacting with a new match online. There are more and more scammers out there, especially with the ease of AI. So it’s good to have an understanding of the online dating red flags to look out for. However, with awareness and a smart strategy, you can easily sniff them out and block (and report) them.
   
   

4. Online dating allows you to have a more targeted search while casting a wider net during cuffing season.

   This is the most valuable part of online dating- being able to clearly communicate what and who you are looking for. The biggest mistake I see seriously searching singles make when looking for lasting love is that they are afraid to share this clearly in their profiles. They don’t want to be seen as desperate, so they won’t say they are looking for a marriage-minded partner. They are afraid of not having enough options, so they won’t communicate their values and goals. They stay vague so as not to miss out on any potential match.
   
   But success in finding lasting love isn’t about having lots of options; it’s about having the right options. And sometimes Mr/Mrs Right isn’t in your backyard. They may not be frequenting the same haunts you frequent, and so you may never cross paths with them if you rely solely on traditional means of dating. 
   
   In order to find quality dating options this cuffing season, singles who will truly align with your relationship values, life goals, interests, family priorities, etc., you’ve got to widen your search while narrowing qualifications. If you want to get married and start a family, say it. If you are looking for someone with the freedom to pick up and explore the world with you, say so. If you are looking for someone who shares your faith or worldview, don’t hide those details. Shared vision, goals, and interests are the stuff that lasting relationships are built on. 

So, is your online dating profile ready for cuffing season? 

Are you ready to find true love before the end of the year? If not, here are just a  few ways you can refresh your profile or build a new one to take advantage of this time of year.

• Refresh those profile photos! Make sure they are recent and clearly show you in your best light. Don’t hide among a crowd, be well-dressed, smile, and throw in some fun images that speak to your interests. Consider hiring a professional online dating photographer to get your good side! 
  
  

• Update your bio. Don’t be vague. Paint a picture of who you are when you are discussing your interests, goals, and relationship values, as well as succinctly share WHO you want to meet.
  
  

• Be yourself. Don’t try to present yourself as the perfect catch for everyone. You aren’t. But you are perfect for someone who will appreciate the unique experiences and qualities that have shaped you.
  
  

• Expand your exposure. Consider if you need to change to a new dating app, or if you need to add another to your dating strategy.
  

This cuffing season, the online dating app is your best friend for finding lasting love. 

It is far and away the most efficient, intentional, and wide-reaching method of making new love connections. As it turns out, 80% of my successfully coupled clients met their partners/spouses through an online dating site/app. Don’t wait until the fall has passed you by, and everyone else is rushing to get online. If you jump in now, you may find yourself entering the holidays with someone truly special.

And if you need some help with any part of this process, I’d love to be your coach to take you step by step through my proven relationship-seeking process. Reach out, and let’s find some time to connect.  By the way, my fall Meet Your Mate This Year small group coaching experience will be starting soon with both men and women; I’d love to have you join us!  Go to www.talkwithcoachamy.com to explore if this group would be a good fit for you.

Have you considered if you are even ready to date this cuffing season?

Take my NEW “Are You Ready to Meet Your Mate? Quiz” to discover if you have the skills and knowledge you need to take advantage of a healthy love connection when it presents itself to you!

Summary of Onlne Dating During Cuffing Season

1. What is cuffing season?

It’s the fall and winter months when singles look for companionship to get through the colder, holiday season.

2. Why is online dating popular during cuffing season?

Changing weather and easy access contributes to a major spike in online daintg users, giving you more opportunities to meet potential matches.

3. How can I make my dating profile stand out?

Use recent photos, be clear about your values and goals, and show your personality authentically.

4. Is cuffing season just about short-term flings?

No! While some may settle for quick companionship, cuffing season is an ideal time to connect with other singles who are also serious about finding lasting love.

5. What red flags should I watch for in online dating?

Look out for vague profiles, pressure to move too fast, inconsistent or suspicious behavior, and requests for financial assistance or information.

6. How do I avoid rushing into the wrong relationship?

Stick to your non-negotiables, ask meaningful questions, and take time to confirm compatibility.

7. Should I work with a dating coach for cuffing season?

I believe a dating coach can help you refine your profile, stay focused on your goals, and increase your chances of finding lasting love. My Meet Your Mate This Year group coaching program is designed to give you the tools and support you need to find the right partner this cuffing season.