3 tips for serious daters to get all cuffed-up this winter

Looking for that special someone to spend the long winter months with? You’re not alone. It’s so common that someone coined a term for it — “cuffing”. 

No, this isn’t new. It’s born from being handcuffed to someone, and no, not like that. Unless, of course, that’s your thing. Cuffing season is well and truly here, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

In fact, dating app Inner Circle’s CEO and founder David Vermeulen predicts this year’s “cuffing season” will be bigger than ever. Already, they’ve seen a 66% rise in active users. Nearly half are looking for relationships with deeper connections.

If real relationships, deeper connections, and of course, better dating is what you’re after, maybe it’s time to take on these insider tips from Inner Circle: 

Right this way...

1.Do your prep 

The best way you can get ready for cuffing is by updating your profile. We know you haven’t been abroad for the past two years, so delete those pics from your trip to Sri Lanka three years ago. Update your photos to show off your post-COVID glow, refresh your bio with your newest hobbies that you picked up over lockdown and, most importantly, make sure it’s clear what you want from your next relationship.

And if you’re making this effort, you deserve other people who make it too. Which is where Inner Circle comes in. They have a team checking all members use high quality pictures and create a rich profile that shows their unique personality. So you can find someone you’ve got loads in common with. 

2. Chat right

We’ve all been there - you match with who you think will be the one, and the chat's flat. What’s less inspiring than ‘How’s u?’.  We know it can be intimidating to get it right, but that’s why Inner Circle has  even devised features to get the conversation started, like matching based on your favourite bars. What could be better than starting a conversation about the place you both already love?  

3. Take it offline

We’ve all spent too much time in front of our screens. Once you’ve matched, why not date IRL? Or get yourself to one of Inner Circle’s events and meet in person. Think: London’s best parties in amazing  venues. Users rate these as “most unique” but you’ll have to decide for yourself, won’t you? Cuffing season for you could simply be cuffing night if you’re lucky.

Go. Go. Go. Sign up for the app here.