Cuff up for Christmas
Brits bag a winter partner…just to have someone to take to Christmas dinner.
TV relationship and intimacy coach, Charlene Douglas, has given her thoughts on cuffing season. A recent survey revealed that almost half of Brits (49%) are likelier to couple up in the winter months. Additionally, 7% admitted they just want a date for their family Christmas Dinner.
- Half of single Brits state are more likely to find a new romantic partner during winter months
- Loneliness is the biggest driver of ‘cuffing season’, while 7% just need someone to bring to the festive meal
- TV relationship coach Charlene Douglas breaks down why we are more likely to seek companionship in winter
- A fireplace is voted as one of the top locations for Brits to ‘get lucky’ during the colder months
The colder months really are for ‘cuffing.’ New research finds 49% of Brits are more likely to couple up for the winter. Many admit that they just want someone to take home to the family for Christmas dinner.
The study, by Paddy Power Games, quizzed single Brits on their thoughts on ‘cuffing season’. It also explored why they want to be with a partner during winter. A cheeky 7% just want someone to join them to a festive meal.
Brits may be leaving it too late.
The research finds December is the most popular month to get into a new relationship. More than ten percent (15%) chose December as the best time. They consider this the ideal time to seek a new romantic partner.
Cuffing season refers to the winter months between October and February. During this time, single people seek a partner to enjoy the long, dark cold nights. Summer offers plenty of socialising with hot men and women at family BBQs, festivals, and sunny holidays abroad. As the winter months approach, there are fewer opportunities to meet someone special. During colder months, many single people feel more lonely. Let’s face it – most dating apps just do not meet their needs!
“For some single people, a temporary ‘winter-warmer’ partner is the perfect gap-filler. They seek a cuddle and some good conversation. For others, the partners they choose can develop into something serious. This happens as they spend many nights getting to know one another on a deeper level. They build on the emotional and physical intimacy”.
Dating is not just for Christmas.
The majority (22%) of Brits looking for a partner to join them on December 25th have genuine intentions. They hope it will lead to a serious long-term relationship. 5% admit their sights are simply set on a nothing more than a festive fling.
Men are more likely to look for a friend with benefits during the cold season. Women are less likely to want this. Specifically, 11% of men and 7% of women opt for casual flings.
There are other explanations for starting a relationship during this time. Over a quarter of singletons (26%) stated they felt lonely during the dark and cold nights.
This is closely followed by ‘having someone to do cozy activities with’ (25%). Additionally, 18% feel left out because all their friends have partners. This completes the top three.
Charlene explained why loneliness is such a big factor in our winter dating habits. She said: “Colder months can contribute to some people experiencing SAD (seasonal affective disorder). This condition can affect a person’s mood and energy during the winter months because of the lack of sunlight. Having emotional support from a love interest during these times is important. It helps us feel supported and less alone.
“A great way to build a strong intimate connection with a partner is by intentionally spending quality time with them. Deep conversations can help you feel close to a partner. Cooking together is another option. Playing board games can also strengthen your bond. Even just cuddling up on the sofa watching a romantic movie could be effective.”
Single Brits’ top 10 biggest motivations for seeking a partner during winter
| Rank | Reason for finding a winter partner | Percentage |
| 1 | I feel lonely during the longer/darker nights | 25.9% |
| 2 | I like having someone to do warm, cozy activities with | 24.5% |
| 3 | I do not have any extra motivation | 18.2% |
| 4 | All my friends have a partner, and I feel left out | 17.8% |
| 5 | The colder weather encourages me to stay indoors | 13.4% |
| 6 | I want someone to take to social events with me | 13.1% |
| 7 | I have increased free time during the winter months | 12.6% |
| 8 | I want someone to take to my family Christmas meal | 7.1% |
| 9 | I want someone to buy me Christmas presents | 6.8% |
| 10 | My friends and family pressure me into it | 4.9% |
Cuffing season is all about warmth and companionship.
It may come as no surprise that Brits like to ‘get lucky’ in much warmer locations. Almost one in five (19%) enjoy being intimate by their fireplace during the winter. Additionally, 16% prefer spending time in a cabin to get down to business.
It is tradition to share a kiss under the mistletoe. 6% of single Brits like to take it a step further. They get a bit busier under it!
TV relationship and intimacy coach Charlene Douglas spoke to Paddy Power Games about the research findings. She said: “The findings in this research are truly fascinating. They show our primal need to be near other people. This closeness helps us feel fully content. For many singletons, there are fewer opportunities to meet a partner during the colder months. This situation can lead them to settle down with someone who may or may not be their ‘forever-person’. But, they can provide emotional support and companionship during what can often be a lonely time.
“Throughout the year, there are many life distractions that help us forget about the loneliness of being single. However, the winter period is the time when everything seems to calm down. More space is left to think about your situation. It’s in these moments that some single people yearn for some emotional and physical intimacy. Let’s not forget also that sex can help us to feel good about ourselves and what better time to feel great about ourselves, than when the weather outside is dark and gloomy.”
Paddy Power Games spokesperson, Paddy Power, said: “We all know that the colder months can get lonely, and our stats show that single Brits are more likely to want a partner during winter than any other time of year.
“With nearly half of single Brits looking for someone to snuggle with this Christmas, it seems like the ultimate winter accessory is a date to take to the family dinner. The real Christmas present isn’t under the tree – it’s just someone to share the turkey with!”
