Temperatures have finally breached 60 degrees Fahrenheit here in New York, signaling the end of the dark, bitter days of not just winter, but cuffing season. The season of staying in and cuddling a S/O (in the event you were lucky to snag one) has ended.

With temps rising and hemlines shortening (the reemergence of the mini-skirt should be some sort of sign), people are coming out of their covid holes, single, and ready to mingle. As daters before us, Spring has been the season of dating. The opportunity to put ourselves out there again in that new floral dress and kiss some freshly shaven faces seeing the sun for the first time since last autumn (Miami travelers pending…).

With Vitamin D and new spurts of energy, some of us may mold into our glowy selves (though we are beautiful all year round) and elude confidence only found in sun. Outdoor beer gardens open, street seating returns for in-real-time lover scouting, and outside concerts for sweaty dance floor make-outs. The places to meet people increase tenfold.

How do we not want to date, or well mess around, again?

But we may not want to… all this new spring enlivenment sounds enticingly fun, but do we have to be ready to date along with it? I’m here to take the pressure off of spring and tell you that just because the flowers are blooming doesn’t mean your libido has to, too.

Before we know it, spring will fill our feeds with single celebration pictures, living our best life videos, and lovers. It’s a type of FOMO that leads to overthinking and internal judgment. Should I be out there living my best life?

You should be out there enjoying the sun, but you don’t need to be out there looking for your next date. Forget the idea that spring brings love. Spring may just be a warmup for your hot girl summer?

Spring is a single revival, and being single means whatever you want it to be. Rather, you’re in the mood to find a new relationship, date around, mess around, or be alone. It’s your choice. Spring can be the revival of new friendships, finding new soulmates in the ones who are already there for you. The pressure to be anything other than yourself during spring is not worth focusing on.

So, breath in, count to five, and release the pressure.

To relieve any extra tension, set a list of activities you actually want to do this season. Include going on more dates/exploring your dating life, or include self-love dates. Spring can be about dating, but it can be a date for yourself.

Just remember, spring doesn’t always have to be the season of dating. Cuffing season is over. Rather, you cuffed or rode the winter solo; but the pressure is officially off.

Spring the way you want. Alone, or with.. possibly many… suitors.

Use these self-love tips to great ready for the spring! Heading out on dates? Use these dating tips to stay in control of your love life.