Talk Dat Talk | Your Black Celebrity Gossip, Culture News & Trending Tea

Tag: Cuffing Season

  • Cuffing Season Evolves, DoorDash Data Shows

    That unofficial time of year when casual flings tend to deepen into something more intentional – cuffing season – is back. But according to new insights from DoorDash, this year’s cuffing season isn’t just happening; it’s evolving. The data suggests that the way people define and express connection is changing, moving beyond traditional labels.

    The Data Behind the Dates

    DoorDash analyzed order data from September 1 to October 15, 2025, and compared it with trends from October 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025, against earlier data from May 1 to September 30, 2024. They also surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults aged 18-58. The results paint a picture of modern romance, where actions and subtle gestures often speak louder than words.

    Interestingly, the trend of labeling delivery addresses with terms like “bae” or “bf/gf” saw an unexpected surge starting September 1, indicating that new connections and the spirit of cuffing season kicked off earlier than usual. By the first week of October, this trend continued to rise, suggesting people are embodying relationship behaviors before officially defining them.

    The Toothbrush Test and ‘The Ick’

    The humble toothbrush has emerged as a quiet MVP of cuffing season. DoorDash data shows a nearly 30% increase in orders for toothbrushes and toothpaste between 5-9 p.m. on Thursdays through Saturdays, coinciding with date nights. Orders spike by over 10% during late-night hours (midnight to 5 a.m.), hinting that some dates are extending into unplanned overnights.

    A DoorDash survey revealed that one in four single daters admits to intentionally leaving a toothbrush behind – a subtle yet clear sign of intending to return. As one respondent put it, “I left my toothbrush to let him know I intended on coming back.” On the flip side, “the ick” is real, with 68% of daters reporting getting the ick after seeing someone’s home, often due to clutter or poor hygiene. This might explain the nearly 80% rise in orders for sheets, pillowcases, and blankets during cuffing season, as people refresh their spaces.

    Cuffing Season: A Cultural Fixture

    Far from fading, cuffing season is proving to be a cultural fixture. A staggering 94% of singles surveyed plan to participate this year. Gen Z, in particular, shows strong engagement, with 97% indicating they plan to or might take part. This suggests younger daters are embracing connection but rethinking how it fits into their flexible, spontaneous, and on-demand lifestyles.

    The data indicates a cultural shift from explicitly discussing relationships to subtly signaling them. Ordering food in together is now seen by nearly 70% of those surveyed as equally, if not more, intimate than going out. This modern romance thrives on convenience, with small, personal gestures like a late-night toothbrush order or a “bae”-labeled address telling the love story before words are even spoken.

    Settling In, Not Just Coupling Up

    Ultimately, cuffing season in 2025 is less about simply coupling up and more about the act of “settling in.” It’s about finding comfort, convenience, and connection in the everyday moments, often facilitated by the ease of on-demand services. The receipts, as DoorDash’s data shows, are increasingly telling the tale of modern love.

    Do you participate in cuffing season? What subtle signs of connection have you noticed or used? Share your experiences in the comments below!

  • Meet Men IRL: Dating Coach’s Guide to Offline Connections

    Are you tired of the endless swiping and emotional drain of dating apps? Many women are ready to ditch the digital world and reconnect with the idea of meeting potential partners in real life. While dating apps can be effective, the effort required often doesn’t yield the desired results. As we ease back into in-person interactions post-COVID, the question remains: how do you successfully date offline? Dating coach Anwar White, with over 15 years of experience helping Black and Brown women find connections, shares his expert strategies for meeting men in real life, just in time for cuffing season.

    Strategize Your Offline Dating Approach

    White emphasizes that meeting men offline requires more than just a good outfit and a trip to the bar. To significantly increase your chances of success, he recommends focusing on three key offline strategies: cultivating a familiar “Cheers” place, engaging regularly in hobbies, and identifying a strategic “hunting ground.”

    Cultivating a “Cheers” place involves becoming a regular at a spot where the staff knows you. White suggests that building rapport with bartenders and hostesses can be incredibly beneficial. They can offer insider tips, like suggesting the best nights to visit or even making introductions. “They’re the ones that can say, ‘oh, girl. Don’t come on Monday night. Come on Thursday night. That’s when the ballers come,’ and they can introduce you,” White explains.

    The Power of Hobbies and Intentionality

    Hobbies are increasingly popular, with more adults dedicating significant time to their passions. White notes that many women focus solely on work and home life, missing out on opportunities for connection. He advises finding a hobby that feels like “play and not work” – something genuinely enjoyable, like ballet or flower arranging, rather than just exercise. “The going and coming of that hobby will give you opportunities to engage and find new and different people,” he says.

    The third strategy, finding a “hunting ground,” involves intentionally choosing places where you are likely to meet men and engaging in regular conversation. White suggests creating simple business cards with your contact information to hand out to men who catch your eye. Crucially, he advises keeping initial conversations brief – around five to ten minutes – to avoid appearing “baked in” and to allow opportunities for others to approach. “Give them your card and keep it moving so that everybody knows that you are not baked in and that you can continue to engage with other people,” White advises.

    Flirting Styles and Strategic Locations

    White breaks down where to meet men based on four different flirting styles to help you find the best approach and locations: Deeper Conversation, Playful, Traditional, and Physical. For those who prefer deeper conversations and emotional connections, he recommends art museums, libraries, yoga and meditation retreats, political events, board meetings, dog parks, and town hall meetings. Playful flirters who enjoy light-hearted fun might find success at arcades, sporting events, sports bars, breweries, festivals, live music venues, and alumni events.

    Traditional flirters who prefer men to make the first move might find it more challenging in today’s dating landscape but can still try spots like churches, bars, coffee shops, grocery stores, and hardware stores. For those who connect through physical touch, intramural sports, clubs, dance classes, and run clubs are ideal. White also suggests simple non-verbal cues like the “3-2-1” method (looking at a guy for three seconds, turning away for two, then looking back and smiling) and open body language to signal approachability. A quick “drive-by” greeting like “Hey, how’s it going?” can also open the door for conversation.

    Patience and Self-Care in Dating

    Before embarking on your offline dating journey, White reminds everyone about the importance of patience. “People need to know that regardless of whether it’s before cuffing season, during cuffing season, after cuffing season, you don’t want to rush something just to be in something [and] to later on get your feelings hurt,” he advises. The goal is to find a genuine connection, not just a warm body for the cold season. Taking your time and carefully analyzing potential partners is key to finding someone truly compatible.

    Which flirting style best describes you? Where do you feel most comfortable meeting new people? Share your thoughts and favorite offline dating spots in the comments below!