Single’s Survival Guide to Cuffing Season
Graphics by Abigail Fay
For some of us, this week was nothing but smelling sickeningly sweet candy, waiting for your secret admirer to send you a dozen roses, and getting drunk off a bottle of $10 red wine. And even though Valentine’s Day lasts only 24 hours, the holiday rests in the middle of cuffing season. All your friends suddenly spend every waking moment with their significant others, and you’re left watching J.Lo’s new rom-com on a Saturday night.
But wait a minute: who says being single in the winter is supposed to be sad or lonely? Restaurants, businesses, and other activities in Syracuse cater to more people than just those who are in a couple, and lots of people are single at this time of year. So why not try some of these options this weekend and throw out the last of your discounted V-Day candy.
Explore Your Inner Cat Lady:
Nothing says single more than being surrounded by a bunch of cats, and Syracuse’s Pawsitivitea CNY Cafe & Cat Lounge is a safe haven for anyone trying to get some cuddles without having to fight for bed space. The lounge supports local rescues and shelters in the area, which means a bunch of cute pets will be receiving some love this cuffing season, too. (Bonus points for serving coffee as well.)
Singers Karaoke Club
The perfect place to belt out your favorite love (or heartbreak) songs. Who needs a candlelit dinner when you can belt out “Story Of Us” by Ms. Swift? This cheesy-but-fun downtown bar also has darts, pool, video games, and alcohol (you probably won’t want to remember your performance tomorrow morning).
Have a Night-In with Friends and Family
For those who hate the cold so much that going outside seems more traumatizing than being rejected by your crush, invite friends over to hang out, play a board game, pull out the crayons and glitter glue for some arts and crafts project, or maybe bake some cupcakes to share. Being creative helps with mental stress and fatigue, and spending time with friends is way better than having to dress up for a date night.
Dinner at Strong Hearts
If you haven’t tried out this bomb-ass vegan resturant (walking distance from campus), then what are you doing with your spare time? Nothing is better about being single than complaining about couples and spilling your worst relationship horror stories over a plate of nachos. And don’t forget to buy one of their 44 milkshakes since it is probably easier to pick from that list than find a decent and eligible S.O. this winter.
If All Else Fails…
Throw a self-pity party. If you're mourning over a breakup or you’re just sad about being single this time of yea, it is more than okay to bury yourself under your covers, binge that soapy rom-com with J.Lo, and spike your blood sugar with Sweethearts. Just know that you aren’t the only one, and whatever you do this cuffing season is the right thing for you.