The Urban Dictionary defines Cuffing Season as "during the fall and winter months people who would normally rather be single or promiscuous find themselves along with the rest of the world desiring to be "Cuffed" or tied down by a serious relationship. The cold weather and prolonged indoor activity cause singles to become lonely and desperate to be cuffed.

The holiday season and Hallmark Channel's Countdown to Christmas are oh-so-helpful reminders that I am once again single. The emotions are heightened and seeing other couples ignites a campfire of jealousy that makes me ask the question at times, "Why isn't that me?"

But this year is different. I actually like being single around the holidays. Why? This time last year, I was in a relationship. Being in a relationship during cuffing season sucked. It made me feel suffocated as if I was overly obligated to do cheesy and romantic gentures.

Studying for finals took priority over romance. When you have 2 ten page research papers and 3 exams to get through with not enough time to sleep, it doesn't really really put you into the holiday cheer everyone is so gung ho about. Ain't nobody got time for that!

Whenever I did a romantic gesture, because I genuinely cared for the guy, I never received the same acts in return. This wasn't just during the holidays, it happened the entire time we were together. I realized that it wasn't fair and I felt as if I was in a one sided relationship.

You're going into a season where you're about to experience breakthrough after breakthrough becuase what you went through didn't break you.

Don't get me wrong, I'm still a sucker for romance. But I call myself not a hopeless romantic but a hopeful romantic. So what if you don't have any man candy this cuffing season! That just means more chocolate and candy for you.