What is ‘clearing season’? Everything you need to know about the latest dating trend
Cuffing was so 2017
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Another year, another seasonal dating trend.
Introducing clearing season, where singletons scramble for dates like they’re hunting down an HD television in the Boxing Day sales.
In a post-drafting/cuffing era, where everyone around you is already cuffed and coupled-up, a frenzied period of desperation may well ensue.
Clearing season, as coined by Vice, is a term for those who remain unwillingly single and alone come January - i.e. they’re the ones left on the dance floor after the lights come on.
That’s not to say one should underestimate clearing as just another way to legitimise randy single behaviour.
After all, it has been statistically proven that January is the busiest time of year for dating apps and with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, dating coach James Preece explains that this time of year is also one of his busiest.
So, why is it that new year, new love life has become such a prevalent concept, one worthy of its own snazzy moniker?
It might be that a lot of people take a break from dating during the Christmas period, intentionally or not, Preece tells The Independent.
“While they are spending time with their friends and family, they'll be asked lots of questions about their relationship status, this will put added pressure on them to find someone” he explains.
“Then along comes New Year and New Year’s resolutions will be made, which means dating becomes a priority again.”
And so the frenzy begins.
According to Vice, clearing season runs from January to the end of March.
So, why on earth are you wasting your time reading this?
Get back on that saddle pronto, or prepare for the driest January, February and March of your life - that's quite a drought.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments