Well, it’s the worst time of the year, folks. It’s cuffing season. For those of you who don’t know what cuffing season is, it is the time of year where people feel the need to get “cuffed” or tied down in a relationship. These feelings come from the desire to do cute fall activities with a significant other, but here are five reasons why it’s not worth it.

First, it’s only high school. High school is only four years. Do you really want to spend that short amount of time with just one person, when you could be with friends? High school is meant to be chill and a time to make good memories, not serious and filled with drama. The majority of high school relationships are so on and off that no one ever knows if you are even dating; what’s the point of a relationship if you don’t even know if you’re “dating”?

Second, you never know what stage you’re in. In high school there are three unofficial stages to a relationship: talking, a “thing,” and dating. These stages are confusing and difficult to figure out. Talking is the beginning of the “relationship”; the problem is both people could be talking to multiple people. A “thing” is when both people like each other, but the label is not there. Dating is the ultimate goal; you are officially going together and are going to be together “forever.” You can’t describe a high school relationship without using these three ridiculous terms.

Third, it’s a waste of money. As high schoolers, we are busy; we have extracurricular activities, homework, and jobs. Do you really want to spend your hard earned money on someone else? If you’re in a relationship, you are obligated to get presents for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions. Also paying for dinner, especially if you’re a guy. Personally, I’d rather save or spend my own money for things I want to enjoy.

Fourth, you don’t have to endure awkward family moments. Since it’s the holiday season, your significant other’s family will come into town and you get the awkward experience of meeting them. It’s scary enough to meet their parents and siblings, but add extended family on top of that, and you’re asking to break out into hives. These  family situations are uncomfortable because you’re the newbie who doesn’t knows anyone and doesn’t understand the inside jokes.

Fifth, be in it for the right reason, not the right season. Cuffing season begins at the start of September, when all the apple orchards, scary movies, and haunted houses open. People just want to be able to post that one adorable picture to show off their perfect relationship. Do things for yourself, I can’t repeat this enough. Go enjoy the season by yourself, with your mom, or with a friend. Be in a relationship because the other person makes you happy, not because you want to be the envied couple.

Basically, cuffing season is overrated. Why waste your time trying to please someone  else when you should be focusing on yourself? I’m not saying you can’t be in a relationship, but make sure it’s for the right reasons.

Click here to see the opposing view

Claire Delaney 

A&E Assistant Editor