6 Tips For Making It Through Cuffing Season When You're Uncuffed

Take Advantage Of The “Me” Time

There's no better time to make it all about yourself than when you're by yourself. Cuffing season is traditionally known for cuddling with and catering to someone else, but it's also a great time to cater to yourself and make yourself a priority. Why not use this time to pamper yourself and do some things that you've been putting off for some time, all the while without having to consider someone else?

You could explore new adventures, do a photo shoot, or try something new. Or, you know that thing you wake up and go to sleep thinking about? Like: going back to school or getting certified, starting a business, starting a new career, pursuing your dream of becoming an entertainer, building a brand, writing a book, or starting a non-profit. It's the perfect time to make those dreams a reality.

Plan A Girls’ Night Out (#GNO) Or A Girls’ Night In (#GNI)

Even Michele Obama clearly understands the importance of sisterhood and spending time with your girlfriends. She was once quoted saying, "I love my husband, and he is my rock, but my girls are my sanity."

So, whether it's a girls' night in or a girls' night out and you're in some pajamas, grabbing drinks or snacks, laughing, crying or, putting on some party clothes…as long as you're with your girlfriends, you're likely to have some fun, and possibly forget, if even for a moment, that it's cuffing season.

Host A Theme Party

You really don't need a reason to celebrate and fellowship with your close friends and loved ones, but cuffing season does, in fact, provide several opportunities for you to do so and one creative way is to plan a theme party.

Even if you don't celebrate some of the holidays like Thanksgiving, Kwanzaa, or Christmas, there are plenty of other new and trendy themes and ideas you can choose from like an ugly sweater party, game night, a Saturday or Sunday brunch, or even a "Friendsgiving" (similar to Thanksgiving, but instead of family members, it includes mainly your friends and is usually organized as a potluck).

Catch Up On A Good Book, Movie, Or Television Show

With the extra time, you can easily catch up on some of the most popular and your favorite TV shows like Insecure,Power, Queen Sugar, as well as movies like Hidden Figures, Girls Trip, and a number of Netflix series and comedy specials.

Not to mention the fact that it's always a great time to pick up and start a new book. There are thousands upon thousands of options and genres to choose from, like fiction, non-fiction, celebrity memoirs, inspirational/self-help (including a new one by yours truly titled, Find the Good in Goodbye: Daily Inspiration for Dealing with a Breakup), business, and history books and eBooks available in-stores and online; many of which are written by very talented and knowledgeable women.

Keep in mind that depending on your level of sensitivity, it may be wise to avoid watching or reading certain things that could trigger negative sentiments or keep you down in the dumps during cuffing season.

Get Involved And Give Back

In case you didn't notice, cuffing season happens to fall around the same time as the major holiday season.

While serving others is something that should occur throughout the entire year, cuffing season is a great time to get more involved with your local community and give back, especially if it's been a long time. Consider things like volunteering at a local shelter or hospital, feeding the homeless and less fortunate, or assisting the elderly.

Enjoy And Cherish The Extra, Uninterrupted Time With Your Family And Friends

One of the major benefits of not having someone around during cuffing season is the fact that you won't feel somewhat pressured to divvy up your time between your significant other, their family, and your family. Not to mention, you eliminate the risk of worrying or having the complicated discussion about inviting each other over for family dinners and parties.

Sure, if you show up at different family and friends' gatherings with no one, you will likely be inundated with questions like, "Why are you still single?" or "Why don't you have a man?", which is annoying, but honestly, there's no getting around any line of questioning when it comes to family, whether you're single or married.

Nonetheless, you won't have to spend time and effort getting to know their family; nor will you have to figure out a way to explain to your family and friends the status of your relationship, especially if it's complicated or it's merely a convenient "situation-ship." You can focus your time and energy on those who matter most right now in your life.

This is your time right now – your time to shine. Single doesn't mean stagnant. There's a great quote that says, "Do something today that your future self will thank you for." I can imagine that it gets frustrating at times, and you have the right to feel what you feel and be honest about your feelings.

But you also have the right to live your best life, regardless of your relationship status.