It’s a pretty clever trick, don’t get me wrong. Cuffing season (or if your not familiar with the formal term, a winter snuggle partner) is on the forefront of any single’s mind every year. As the nights get longer and colder, along come the persistent reminders that you ought to find someone to keep you warm at night. 

Sorry, but does whoever’s suggesting this not have a winter duvet or a radiator?

It’s a concept created by dating apps to get you downloading and swiping like crazy in the frantic hope you might find someone to call your own by christmas. These are the same apps that are created with little tricks to keep you online for as long as possible… they’ve basically turned our love lives into a game that they’re definitely winning. 

If you are single and looking to date however, don’t be put off by the pressure. Date in the same way as any other time of the year and just enjoy it. If you have a busy life and don’t have time to spend hours swiping, go for an app that values this. The Inner Circle is the dating app that takes a totally different approach to all others. They make sure your time is taken seriously, no matter what time of the year it is. 

Each new profile is checked manually to make sure that the chosen profile pictures are up to date and of a high quality. They also say no to tacky mirror selfies or dog-eared filters, meaning it’s completely clear who you’re chatting to. It makes meeting in real life a whole lot less stressful. 

Their main focus as an app, and in fact another that feature draws them apart from the other apps, is their complete focus on offline meet-ups. They help you get offline ASAP by hosting a member-curated list of date venues all tried and tested by other first-daters. Gone are the awkward conversations around where to meet, they’ve got you covered (kind of like a digital wingman). What’s also cool is that you can check out your favourite place to hang out, and see who else also likes it, and message them to suggest a meet-up. It’s actually so simple. 

But here’s the best bit (and the feature The Inner Circle members rave about the most), they actually throw parties. Entire events filled with single people all ready to mix and mingle comfortably with other singles who are in the same boat. They provide entertainment, refreshments, and venues that always impress. 

If you’re sick of being told when you should find a partner, but low key also fancy finding someone to cosy up too, give The Inner Circle a go and try a new approach to dating. Download it here.