‘Tis the season’, but not just for the holidays.
Cuffing season is in full swing at Townsend Harris. According to Urban Dictionary, “during the fall and winter months people who would normally rather be single or promiscuous find themselves along with the rest of the world desiring to be ‘cuffed’ or tied down by a serious relationship.” It is evident that as the temperature goes down, the number of relationship statuses on Facebook go up.
Cuffing season and high school dating are generally given a negative connotation, yet the recent couples of THHS have managed to make light of the concept and change people’s minds about dating.
Seniors Dillon Mahabir and Megan Parker are one of these recent couples. “Oh ‘cuffing’ season,” Dillon laughed. “I think that the concept can be funny to joke about and that the cold weather and sparkly holiday times are the reason why many people ‘cuff’ to one another, but for Megan and I that is definitely not the case.”
Freshman Caitlin Cassidy and sophomore Adomas Hassan began their relationship during this time as well. Caitlin explained that while they started dating during cuffing season, “that was just a coincidence. But it is true. Everyone wants someone to cuddle with during the cold months, a New Year’s kiss, and a Valentine.”
Freshman Casey Ramos, despite being in high school only a few months, has changed her outlook on high school dating due to the relationships she has observed.
“I used to think relationships, specifically in high school, were pointless and flimsy. Recently, though, that perspective’s changed because I’ve seen some really genuine couples that aren’t playing a kiss-and-ditch game, and I really respect that,” Casey stated.
As someone who is not currently in a relationship, Casey also feels that it is a social learning experience that’ll be useful beyond the academic lives of students.
Throughout cuffing season, students also become the victims of merciless “shipping,” a slang term stemming from internet fandoms. Derived from the word “relationship,” shipping two people together means one believes they should date.
Junior Dimitri Perdik explained: “It’s like you hang out with a girl often enough and all of a sudden everyone thinks you’re dating or wants you to date. Guys are constantly getting put into weird positions with some of their best female friends. But some really cute relationships do come out of it at Townsend.”
At a place like THHS, few believe that students have time for the workload, let alone dating. However, the copious amount of couples, new and old, prove that statement false.
As a senior couple of two and a half years, Mateusz Chrobak and Briana Draguca are able to set their priorities and manage school work and their social lives well.
Briana admitted,“Townsend requires a lot but it hasn’t hurt our relationship, I think it has actually made us closer.”
Dillon said that Megan doesn’t distract him much from his school work, but rather pushes him to get everything done on time. Relationships tend to make school work easier by alleviating stress with words of encouragement from one another.
This time of year is also major for seniors who are preparing promposals. Senior Nathaniel Cheng expressed his opinion on senior relationships in a timeline.
“It starts initially with the awkward phase in freshman year of borrowing one’s pencil, to sophomore year’s cautious yet thoroughly exciting process of exchanging numbers, to junior year’s ‘study dates’ and finally ends at the peak of senior year where they get cuffed.”
At a recent senior meeting, Dean Robin Figelman made sure to point out that security guards and teachers have been noticing seniors’ public displays of affection, gearing up for prom and even senior trip. Students have exhibited mixed feelings about the awkward confrontation. While some were slightly offended, others were appreciative.
“I see nothing wrong with showing some affection,” said senior Catherine Vozikis. “I understand that making out in the middle of a crowded hallway is inappropriate, but a long, endearing hug or hold of someone’s hand is not.”
Senior Francesca Schurr said, “It’s funny how involved the teachers are in our lives. Most of my life, I’ve had teachers who have cared about nothing but grades, so having Ms. Figelman know and care about all the gossip is somehow comforting.”
