What’s Clearing In Dating And Why Is It So Popular Every January?

Coined by Vice writers Hannah Ewens and Emma Garland, clearing season is actually the latter half of cuffing season. Before Ewens' and Garland's take on clearing season, we had all

assumed that cuffing season went from fall until March, but according to these writers, that's not the case. Once January rolls around, cuffing comes to an end, and it's time for

clearing season to begin. It's these final few months of the coldest part of the year that has some people scrambling for someone to kill time with before spring or, if they missed

the cuffing boat, finally procure someone to waste the last several weeks of the winter with. "While they are spending time with their friends and family [during the holidays],

they'll be asked lots of questions about their relationship status, this will put added pressure on them to find someone," dating coach James Preece tells Independent. "Then along

comes New Year and New Year's resolutions will be made, which means dating becomes a priority again." Of course, the term dating should be used loosely here because neither cuffing

season nor clearing season is meant to last very long, whether the people in the situation are willing to admit to it or not. After all, no one wants to think of themselves as

desperate and just looking for someone to keep them company and get their rocks off because, well, what else is there to do when it's cold and dark?