The uncuffing season is upon us, and for Zillennials, now is the perfect time to enjoy the fun of dating. “Uncuffing Season marks the springtime transition period when couples say goodbye to relationships forged during the cozy autumn and winter months (aka cuffing season) and embrace singledom as the days grow warmer,” says Devyn Simone, Resident Relationship Expert at Tinder.
As the days lengthen and temperatures rise, people become more active and outgoing, specifically in dating. In the climate of shooting your shot via DM or online dating apps, spring and summer is the time to revamp your game plan for the dating game. “During the winter, we’re more likely to opt for cozy indoor hangouts with those already in our circle,” she says.
Whether attending outdoor events, enjoying a new dining experience or taking a stroll in the park, spring and summer provide countless opportunities to meet potential partners and create new connections. By updating your dating profile during these seasons, you can capitalize on this heightened social energy and increase your chances of catching the eye of someone special. With uncuffing season happening, and you’re on the search for your new summer boo, check out Symone’s key tips for refreshing your dating profile.
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Clean Out The Closet
Your dating closet should also be involved in spring cleaning. Often, old matches and messages clutter your profile that don’t need to be there anymore. “Consider donating them back to the dating pool and clearing space for new and fresh matches,” she says. According to data, the onset of Uncuffing Season (February 15th – March 31st) sees the second-highest global influx of singles flocking to Tinder, with the recently uncuffed reentering the dating pool just in time for summer.
Stop Playing The Waiting Game
Slow responders should not be the main priority, so if you’ve been waiting for a response for two weeks, it’s time to let this one go. According to statistics, 78 percent of surveyed young singles on Tinder responded to a crush within 30 minutes. That’s the definition: “If they wanted to, they would.”
“Got old matches you’re still low-key chatting with? Maybe it’s time to set them free and make room for some new connections,” she says. “If you’ve been waiting around for ages, it might be time to swipe for a fresh start.”
Refresh Your Photos
A profile refresh is a major factor, and it can be done within seconds. Ditch the photo from your girl’s trip from 2022, and add a new photo to catch fresh eyes. Grab a couple of your favorite photos from the last year (or ask a friend to snap a few the next time you’re out) and swap them in place of some of the older photos on your profile. According to Symone, you may see an increase in matches when you use available verification features. For example, photo-verified may increase the likelihood of Tinder users aged 18-25 receiving a match by up to 10 percent.
Don’t Delay The Date
Let’s be honest: no one wants a pen pal or to waste time prolonging an IRL meeting to find out it’s not the right fit. Over half (55 percent) of surveyed young singles on Tinder said they prefer to plan an IRL date just a few days after chatting with a match. “It’s crucial to make sure your profile truly reflects who you are and what you’re after,” she says.
Say Goodbye To Ghosts
Younger daters may get a lot of flack from their older counterparts, but studies show Tinder users aged 18-22 are maybe 38 percent less likely to ghost someone compared to those over 33. Today’s singles are showing that they’re better communicators when it comes to dating and that straightforward communication is something you can use and look forward to this Uncuffing Season.
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About the Author: Kenyatta Victoria is the lead writer for Essence GU, working on all things pop culture, politics, entertainment and business. Throughout her time at GU, she’s garnered devoted readers and specializes in the Zillennial point of view.