CUFF UP FOR CHRISTMAS: BRITS BAG A WINTER PARTNER… JUST TO HAVE SOMEONE TO TAKE TO 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’ as new research finds 49% of Brits are more likely to couple up for the winter – with many admitting 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 ‘cuffingseason’, as well as why they want to be with a partner during winter, finding a cheeky 7% just want someone to accompany them to a festive meal.
Brits may be leaving it late though as the research finds December is the most popular month to get into a new relationship. Over a tenth (15%) selected the final month of the year as the ideal time to seek a new romantic partner.
Commenting on cuffing season, and why people’s feelings change so drastically in the colder months, TV relationship and intimacy coach Charlene Douglas said: “Cuffingseason refers to the winter months between October and February where single people seek a partner to enjoy the long, dark cold nights. A summer filled with socialising with hot men and women at family BBQs, festivals, sunny holidays abroad and so on, is then met with fewer opportunities to meet someone special as the winter months approach. The feelings of loneliness for many single people are heightened during colder months, and let’s face it – most dating apps are just not cutting it!
“For some single people they see a temporary ‘winter-warmer’ partner as the perfect gap-filler to have a cuddle and some good conversation. For others the partners that they choose can quite beautifully develop into something serious, as they’ve spent many nights getting to know one another on a deeper level and building on the emotional and physical intimacy”.
Dating is not just for Christmas though, as the majority (22%) of Brits looking for a partner to join them on December 25th genuinely hope it will lead to a serious long-term relationship. However, 5% admit their sights are simply set on a nothing more than a festive fling.
When it comes to looking for a friend with benefits during the cold season, men are more likely to want this than women, with 11% and 7% opting for casual flings respectively.
Other explanations for starting a relationship during this time include over a quarter of singletons (26%) stating they felt lonely during the dark and cold nights.
This is closely followed by ‘having someone to do cozy activities with’ (25%), and all their friends having partners and feel left out (18%), completing the top three.
On the reasons why loneliness is such a big factor in our winter dating habits, Charlene said: “Colder months can contribute to some people experiencing SAD (seasonal affective disorder), a condition that can affect a person’s mood and energy during the winter months, because of the lack of sunlight. The emotional support from a love interest during these times can be just what’s needed to help us to 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, cooking together, playing board games together or even just cuddling up on the sofa watching a romantic movie could be just what you need to feel close to a partner.”
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% |
With cuffing season 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%) like to do the deed by their fireplace during the winter, and 16% like locking down in a cabin to get down to business.
Whilst it is tradition to share a kiss under the mistletoe, 6% of single Brits like to take it the next step further and get a bit busier under it!
Speaking to Paddy Power Games on the research findings, TV relationship and intimacy coach Charlene Douglas said: “The findings in this research are truly fascinating and demonstrates our primal need to be in close proximity to other people so we can feel fully content. For many singletons there are less opportunities to meet a partner during the colder months which can lead to them choosing to settle down with someone who may or may not be their ‘forever-person’, but who can provide emotional support and companionship during what can often be a lonely time.
“Throughout the year there are many life distractions that can allow us to forget about the loneliness of being single, the winter period is the time though when everything seems to calm down and more space is left to reflect on 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!”