It’s no secret that, aside from everything else, millennials have been bashed for their inability to date and maintain relationships. What was once seen as chivalrous is now seen as creepy, and all anyone cares about is who is swiping which way. Coming home for the holidays to catch up with a plethora of relatives about who I am “seeing” requires answers that make me think on my feet. Seeing? I go to a school with 40,000 students, I SEE a lot of people. But so does everyone, that is, until cuffing season.

I was just introduced to this term, but so far, this is what I understand: along with big sweaters, pumpkin spice, cider, donuts, and boots comes the time when people look to settle down with a significant other. Because of the cold weather, people are spending more time inside, causing them to want another person beside them, specifically a lover. So what do you do when it’s “cuffing season,” but you’re single as can be?

Recommended for you

35 Things I Wish I Learned In My Freshman Year Of College

15 Common Struggles Of A Loyola Student

1. Exercise.

Use this as a perfect time to get ahead of the spring break bod phase, and don’t use it as a time to hibernate. It is easy during these months, with holidays coming up, to stuff yourself. There's nothing wrong with that, but it is important to keep your body in good health too. You can do simple ab and arm exercises that don’t even require you to leave the house, and when you do get to a gym, you’ll feel great about yourself.

2. Learn to cook.

If you’re going to be spending long winter hours indoors, take on some new recipes. It is easy to find simple things to bake or cook, and you can impress roommates and friends. Learning to cook is also a good skill to have for the future and is actually a relaxing activity.

3. Have a girl/guys night.

Everyone is so concerned about “cuffing” and finding a significant other that we forget about some of the most important people in our lives: our friends! Stay in, go to dinner, go to a party; wherever you go, enjoy time with the people you have the most fun with. These are the people who are going to be by your side when cuffing season is over, so keep them close to your side, no matter what.

4. Read a book.

As cliche as it sounds, there are many options for you. Reading doesn’t have to be what it was in high school, when it was required. Books by comedians, athletes, and other people who interest you are fascinating to read, and it’s always nice to cozy up under a blanket and read.

So whether you’re getting cuffed this autumn season or trying to find a way to survive not getting cuffed, remember that this too is just a stupid phase for our generation, and it will pass. Enjoy the basic things in life and play in the leaves.