Article by: Mikel Harris

It’s that time of year again. Pumpkin Spice and Cinnamon, the pheromones of Fall, fill the air and gently announce the start of Gay Cuffing Season. That, arguably, wonderful time of the year between Halloween and Valentine’s Day when you meet the love of your life. Well, your "life" until Spring. But from couple’s costumes to chocolate hearts, the two of you are madly in love, or mostly lust, with one another. For anyone new to the community, let's explore the unofficial timeline of these pivotal annual relationships.

Halloween.

Somewhere between Pinterest and your local costume shop, you’ll find the perfect Halloween fit, only to realize how much better it could be as a couple’s costume. The next thing you know it’s October 31st and that cute boy who slid into your DM’s is now your costume buddy, and soon, your winter fling. Between pumpkin patch photos and matching sweaters, you’re officially in the middle of cuffing season.

Thanksgiving.

By late November, you’re about a month into what you’re certain will be the last relationship you’ll ever need. You and your new boo will join friends for a weekend in the mountains. Something about the crisp Autumn air and staying in a cabin will cause all rational feelings to go out the window. Before you know it, you’ll be discussing where to spend the holidays. Should you invite him to Grandma’s, or stay home and stuff the turkey together instead? The future seems bright now.

Christmas.

December is peak cuffing season, and the first real test of your new found romance. The stress of what gift to buy for your new lover will be coupled with the inevitable time spent apart at family obligations. Will they hook-up with their old fling while back in their hometown? Will you? Tensions are high, but there are plenty of bright spots. Holiday parties. Remember that couple’s costume? Now you’ve moved on to matching sweaters and pictures under the mistletoe. Savor the eggnog and the moment, things are about to get rocky.

New Years Eve.

Before you have the chance to catch your breath from Christmas, New Years Eve will arrive to really mess with your game. You’ve planned your coordinating outfits and know that you don’t have to worry about having a New Years Kiss. However, as you start to think about your resolutions for the new year, you’ll start to wonder if “new year, new you” should translate into new “single” you. To be fair, your lover is thinking the same. However, the weather is still cold, and there is one more holiday coming to keep you together.

Valentine’s Day.

If you’ve made it this far, Congratulations! By now you and your partner have gotten matching haircuts, and are well on your way to being one of “those” couples on Instagram. If you’re a cuffing season veteran, you know that things are wrapping up and Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a huge deal. In fact, you may even use a lackluster Valentine’s Day as the groundwork for your inevitable break-up. If you’re new to cuffing season, you will go the opposite route and plan an over-the-top day of romance. Rookie mistake, but an important lesson that can only be learned through experience.

Spring Broken.

You did it. You met the love of your life. Together you made long-term plans and posted a million photos together on social media. But, all good things must come to an end, and by the time Spring Break rolls around you and your partner will start to drift apart. You’ll spend less time planning cute dates, and more time working on your summer body. By April, you’ve gone your separate ways but will always remember each other fondly. Just in time to find your Summer Love.
October 18, 2018 — Andrew Christian