By now, we’ve all heard of Cuffing Season; that period leading up to Christmas when a nation seeks out a partner to warm their feet on under the covers.
Well, say hello to the Rebuffing Season.
With the arrival of summer, and those long, warm days drinking Pimms in pub gardens across the land, research says now’s the time we all take a moment to spring clean our love life and get our dump on in favour of more casual dating, or staying single altogether.
It follows new research from dating app, Badoo, which says almost three-quarters of single people have a much more positive outlook as June approaches, while another survey from Tinder found 63% of respondents say summertime is the best time to be single. In fact, a whopping 40% admit to considering breaking things off with a partner ahead of the sunnier months, in favour of enjoying some casual, seasonal singledom. It’s inspired a new profile feature on Tinder; the recently introduced, “Relationship Goals” button, allowing members to let matches know if they’re in the market for new friends, a serious relationship or – why not eh? – a summer fling.
Becky*, 29, a marketing assistant from Gloucestershire says she is more than ready for the Rebuffing Season. “I’ve been single for six years now, and have really tried to meet someone special,” she tells Grazia. “I was seeing someone around Christmas, but decided last month that it wasn’t right and ended it. People keep telling me to get straight back on the horse with trying to meet my future husband, but I just don’t want to right now. I want to spend this summer enjoying being single, trying out that _hot girl summe_r vibe, but mainly focusing on my friends and work.”
Dating expert Paul Brunson says it’s part of the more modern approach to dating we’re all starting to embrace. “Daters are now seeking a no stereotypes, zero-labels approach that can open them up to new types of relationships and experiences,” says Paul, Tinder’s spokesperson for relationship insights. “Young daters are continuing to redefine what it is to date, hence the emergence of the ‘situationships’ – dating on their terms and what suits them. While some people are looking for a long-term relationship, others admit they’re still figuring it out, or would rather something more short-term. As we move towards the summer months it’s unsurprising that singles are choosing this moment to consciously shake up their dating and in some cases their relationships.”
36-year-old Katie*, a researcher from London, feels the same. “I split up from my husband in January – yes I know, my friends love reminding me I’m an embarrassing cliché to do it in Divorce Month! I’ve spent the last few months feeling devastated and, more than that, totally worthless. But there’s something about the sun creeping out, the smell of freshly cut grass in the air, and the days stretching into infinity that not only has me feeling better, but also a bit… horny? I’m definitely not looking for anything serious, but I’ve downloaded a couple of apps and am excited to have some fun being single at long last.”
There’s no denying there’s something inherently sexy about being single in the summer. Whether it’s the skimpier clothes, the spontaneous holidays planned with pals, those long warm evenings where it stays light well past bedtime, now’s the time to live your best – single – life. Let loose, experiment with hobbies, meet new people, and snog a stranger on a beach. And if you happen to be on the receiving end of some rebuffing this summer, don’t be too upset – cuffing season will be just around the corner again in no time…
*not real names