Expert reveals the real reason people get obsessed with 'cuffing season' in the winter and why it's important

With autumn upon us and winter fast-approaching, some of your friends and family may find a new partner, a phenomenon that occurs every year.

Confessions of a cuffing season lover: I inadvertently became 'cuffed' thinking it was no more than a bit of fun - but unfortunately not, this short-time romance developed into parenting and a mortgage.

Now, in January we celebrate seven years of cuffing. How did life get this way?

Cuffing season is the phenomenon where singletons couple up during the winter months (Getty stock)

Yes, cuffing season is when people find a partner during the colder, darker months of the year.

According to Merriam Webster, it usually begins in October and lasts until just after Valentine's Day, while the use of the word cuff references handcuffs, but is slang for 'hooking up' or 'getting hitched'.

Now, relationship expert intimacy coach Charlene Douglas, who appears as one of the experts in the UK's version of Married at First Sight, has revealed the real reason people get obsessed with the coupling up in the winter and why it's important.

Speaking to The Mirror, she said: "The feelings of loneliness for many single people are heightened during colder months, and let's face it - most dating apps are just not cutting it! For some single people, they see a temporary 'winter-warmer' partner as the perfect gap-filler to have a cuddle and some good conversation.

"For others the partners that they choose can quite beautifully develop into something serious, as they've spent many nights getting to know one another on a deeper level and building on the emotional and physical intimacy."

Here's to cuddling, coupling and cuffing up during the winter months, cheers! (Getty stock)

It comes as betting firm Paddy Power Games undertook a recent survey in Britain asking singletons for their thoughts on the phenomenon - revealing that 24 percent want someone to do warm and cosy activities over winter.

Meanwhile, seven percent want to take a date to Christmas dinner with their family, while 13 percent want a date to take to social events.

A further 22 percent of single Brits want a partner to join them on Christmas Day, while five percent want nothing more than a festive fling.

So why is it important?

Well, Douglas explained: "Colder months can contribute to some people experiencing SAD (seasonal affective disorder), a condition that can affect a person's mood and energy during the winter months, because of the lack of sunlight."

I mean, can you blame someone for wanting to snuggle up during the cold, darker winter months?