Cuffing Season Is Over Are You Keeping or Cutting Your Roster?

Ah, springtime. That magical in between phase when our social calendars blossom just like the flowers, our vitamin D levels start rising again, and suddenly… our situationships start wilting.

There’s just something about the changing seasons that brings clarity or chaos to our love lives. Maybe it’s the sun finally hitting our retinas for the first time in four months. Maybe it’s the way our winter baes start looking a little less cozy and a little more clingy. Or maybe it’s just the fact that we’re finally getting off the apps and touching grass (literally and metaphorically), realizing we might’ve cuffed up during a cold front when we should’ve just bought a weighted blanket.

Because what felt like a warm, snuggly connection under fleece throws and candlelight now feels like an awkward plus one to every rooftop party. That person who once felt like hot cocoa for the soul now just feels like a tepid iced coffee you forgot in your car. We start asking ourselves: Is this my person… or just my seasonal placeholder?

But before you start issuing pink slips to your romantic roster or drafting a “we should just vibe separately” text, let’s talk about what’s really going on. Because as spring warms up into summer, decisions must be made. And if you’re feeling romantically confused, don’t worry you’re not alone. Let’s unpack it.

Why Some People Don’t Want to Be Single in the Summer (Even Though It’s Hot Girl/Boy/They Season)

1. The Plus One Panic is Real.

Summer is a gauntlet of social events: weddings, BBQs, boat days, outdoor movie nights, and that one couple’s engagement picnic that feels suspiciously like a cult meeting. And showing up solo to all of them can get… exhausting. You start wondering if it’s worth keeping Chad from Hinge around just so you don’t have to endure Aunt Carol asking, “Still single, huh?” for the third time while you dodge the bouquet toss.

2. Free Labor and Emotional Support.

Let’s not lie: sometimes relationships come with perks. Someone to help you assemble patio furniture from IKEA, kill summer bugs without screaming, or carry your emotional baggage while you spiral about whether you should move to a new city “just for vibes.” It’s less about romance and more about having someone to help you drag that inflatable pool onto the balcony. It’s functional love. Like an emotional intern with benefits.

3. The “Vacay Bae” Effect.

Summer means travel, and travel means photo ops. And sure, solo trips are empowering, but let’s be real some of y’all just want someone to take non blurry pictures of you on a paddleboard. A relationship feels convenient when you’ve got matching swimsuits and dreams of aesthetic Instagram reels. “Look, we’re kissing in front of a waterfall!” But deep down you know that waterfall is doing more heavy lifting than your connection.

Why Some People Do Want a Relationship in the Summer (Plot Twist!)

1. Summer Romance Is Hot (Literally).

Nothing hits like a summer fling that somehow turns into a full blown situationship with poolside kisses and late night ice cream runs. The sun makes everything feel more cinematic. Suddenly, you’re in your romcom era, and your serotonin levels are sponsored by someone’s tanned shoulders and spontaneous weekend getaways. It’s love with a side of SPF 50 and flirtatious mosquito bites.

2. You’re Just Tired of the Streets.

Let’s face it: the dating apps are giving “chronically unserious,” and the idea of meeting someone new every two weeks sounds less like fun and more like unpaid emotional labor. The chaos of summer doesn’t appeal to everyone some people just want one consistent person to make margaritas with, not a revolving door of brunch dates who think saying “I’m a sapiosexual” is a personality.

And Then There’s the Undecided Crowd (Hi, it’s me, I’m the problem, it’s me)

Because… What If You Want Both Chaos and Cuddles?

Some of us are in our romantic limbo era. We don’t know whether we want to commit or re-enter our feral summer phase. One day we’re drafting couple playlists, the next we’re ignoring texts for hours while posting thirst traps with cryptic captions like “healing 🌻.” We want stability but also flirt with the bartender just for sport. We say “let’s see where it goes” and then ghost people like it’s a sport. We don’t want a relationship but we also want one person to watch trash TV with on Wednesdays. We’re confused, but at least we’re hot.

So, Are You Keeping or Cutting the Roster?

No judgment here. Whether you’re pruning your love life like a spring garden or clinging to your winter cuddle buddy like a hoodie you refuse to return, just remember: you don’t owe anyone an explanation except maybe your group chat.

Spring is your chance to reflect, refresh, and romanticize your next moves. The sun is out, the vibes are shifting, and maybe it’s time to upgrade from “cuffing season cuddle buddy” to “someone who knows your coffee order and doesn’t judge your Spotify Wrapped.”

Or maybe you’ll just ride the wave of indecision until the fall… when cuffing season starts all over again and you consider texting your ex just to “check in.”

Either way: may your heart be full, your sunscreen be strong, and your summer roster (or lack thereof) be deeply aligned with your main character’s energy.