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Tag: Dating Trends

  • 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!

  • Monkey-Barring: The Toxic Dating Trend of Never Being Alone

    Ever dated someone who seemed to have a new partner lined up before your relationship even ended? This unsettling behavior has a name: monkey-barring. Relationship experts explain that it’s when someone clings to their current partner while secretly securing a new one, ensuring they never have to face being single. Instead of falling when one relationship ends, they simply swing to the next person.

    The Fear of Loneliness Drives Monkey-Barring

    According to relationship expert Angelika Koch, monkey-barring often stems from a deep-rooted fear of being alone. This behavior is fueled by a need for constant companionship, even if it means betraying trust or emotionally abandoning a partner prematurely. “People who do this often lack emotional growth, because they are constantly moving through life in a fear-based manner to avoid the hard work it takes when healing from wounds in a past relationship,” Koch told Vice.

    Jumping from one person to another prevents individuals from truly growing or getting to know themselves. Koch describes it as a fear-based action, often rooted in codependency, where the thrill of avoiding solitude provides a false sense of security.

    Red Flags: How to Spot Monkey-Barring

    Spotting monkey-barring, whether you’re the victim or the perpetrator, often starts with recognizing early red flags. Emotional distance is a primary indicator. Partners preparing to leave may withdraw, showing less interest and investment, appearing distracted or disengaged. As relationship expert Dionne Reid notes, this distance is often the first sign of an impending exit, as true intimacy requires presence, not avoidance.

    Increased secrecy is another major warning sign. Those engaging in monkey-barring tend to become guarded about their communications and actions. They might become protective of their phones, offer vague explanations for their plans, or avoid discussing their day, indicating they are exploring other romantic options while still committed to their current relationship.

    • Emotional withdrawal and disengagement.
    • Increased secrecy and protectiveness over personal communications.
    • Vague explanations about daily activities or plans.
    • Frequent flirting with others outside the relationship.
    • A noticeable decline in intimacy and connection.

    If you recognize these behaviors in yourself or a partner, it might be time to address the underlying fears and work towards healthier relationship patterns. As the saying goes, quit monkeying around and face your feelings!

    Have you ever experienced or witnessed monkey-barring? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!