On October 3rd, I asked what day it was. No, really. Since when was ‘National Boyfriend Day’ a thing? I kept refreshing and watching everyone’s Instagram stories like they were juicy TMZ reports. Where is everyone suddenly finding boyfriends? Then I realized that now is the most ideal time to be booed up; in time for couples costumes, apple picking, fall picnics, etc. As the weather gets colder, it becomes harder to be a single person, even if you are happy on your own. Some days, we just want to be snuggled up with a loved one by a fire and that’s okay…I’ve been there before. But you can still have an awesome fall and be single, and here’s how to do it.
It can be hard to watch seemingly everybody suddenly get into happy-looking relationships. Cuffing season can affect almost everybody. Even the most content single people may find themselves thinking about what it would be like to have a significant other by their side. And this comes directly after the idea of “Hot Girl Summer”, where you are single and having a summer fling or two. It’s a drastic shift in social trends. The reality is, there is no “right” time to be dating or not, and the increase in people in relationships can be directly correlated to marketing patterns and trends as well, as fall activities are more couple-oriented than that of summer activities.
The best advice I can give to you today, whether you have been single for years or have just recently gone through a breakup, is that you can do most of the same things you would do as a couple, but with a friend instead. Apple picking? Go with your roommate! You want the experience of a matching costume? Do it with a friend or two! Want somebody to watch a scary movie while drinking apple cider with you? Your friend is down! Friends are obviously not going to fulfill the same roles as a significant other, but not having one does not mean you have to be alone.
Being single as a college student is not the worst thing in the world. In fact, having a significant other is an added time commitment, and most of us are already busy and stressed. It is more than okay to use this time to work on yourself. In general, it is always important to have time to yourself to destress, because no human being performs well under constant pressure and no breaks. Although relationships are tempting during a time like this, it is also okay to reflect and ask yourself if you are ready to make time for another person, meet their needs, and be the best version of yourself. If you are not ready, do not rush yourself into commitment, any time of the year can be fun no matter if you are with somebody or not.
Overall, it is important to take care of yourself during this time, and it is okay to be on your own this cuffing season. I have done it almost every fall, and I still have fun and I feel fulfilled. ‘Tis the season to treat yourself!
Cover photo by: Sydney Lipof (The Crescent Graphic Design Team)
About Taylor Spill
Taylor Spill is a staff writer for the Crescent Magazine, specifically focusing on 'Sex and the Crescent City' and College Life. She is majoring in Communications with minors in Sociology and Film Studies. Other than writing, she loves to work out, explore New Orleans with friends, and working with kids throughout the community.
Taylor Spill is a staff writer for the Crescent Magazine, specifically focusing on 'Sex and the Crescent City' and College Life. She is majoring in Communications with minors in Sociology and Film Studies. Other than writing, she loves to work out, explore New Orleans with friends, and working with kids throughout the community.
