Cuffing season has officially come to a bittersweet end; that time of year between November and March when the frigid temperatures and long nights instill a very real sense of loneliness, causing us to feel the need to ‘handcuff’ ourselves to a hibernation-mate. It is now time to put an end to canceling plans, yet again, and instead, snuggling under the covers with your heat-radiating beau. The time has come to take off the handcuffs and step back into the social arena. It’s Spring Equinox today, and your 2019 starts now.

Springtime tends to be an ode to birth, florals, and new beginnings. Invites are not to be turned down as restlessness and FOMO go into full effect. The urge to stay out later grows accordingly stronger with the later setting of the sun. It is the season of possibility. With the first gusts of warm air, comes the tantalizing desire to downgrade to a lighter jacket, let your ankles back out into the air, and blast Diana Ross’s “I’m Coming Out”. The longer hours of sunshine become a jarring reminder that you are still a beautiful, extroverted creature and that perhaps, there are also other fish in the sea. Historically, those relationships that were built upon self-interest and ulterior motives, tend to crumble with the beginning of spring as individuals break away and move on to greener pastures and new possible love-interests.

The drinking culture heightens and hook-ups grow more frequent and varying. Dance floors and bar tops become more crowded as the line outside the door grows more elongated. The winter coats that had previously and dutifully shrouded outfits are cast aside and the eclectic roam unhindered and untethered. In that same fashion, standard dating apps can be easily discarded as chance-meetings become more plausible. Bachelors and bachelorettes bring the city to life as the courting games begin.

Although the process of cuffing is not an exact science, (many couples last the spring, the summer, the fall, and the winter all over again) spring is undoubtedly a season for everyone to get excited for. It’s Mother Nature’s loud cue to shimmy back into your social circles and live it up. Couples and singles alike can stroll the streets, relishing the fever that is springtime. Spring Equinox marks the golden moment to strap on your high heels, smear on your pink lipstick, spread your social butterfly wings, and go.

Sabrina Santiago’s work can be found here.

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