The rise of 'COVID cuffing': Singles are warned of a worrying new dating trend that has taken off during the pandemic
- 'Romantically challenged' podcast creator Sami Lukis, 50, has coined a new term
- The Australian radio star said people will want to 'bed down' a partner for winter
- Not only this but it will be most common if a second wave of COVID-19 hits
- While it's not fair to 'cuff' someone without knowledge, mutual cuffing works
- Sami, who lives in Sydney, endured lonely few months during the first lockdown
An Australian radio star has coined the term 'COVID cuffing' to describe singles looking to bed down a partner during winter and a possible second wave of the virus.
Sami Lukis, 50, who created a podcast called 'Romantically Challenged', described how an ex-boyfriend started messaging her 'out of the blue' as Victoria announced a second six-week lockdown.
The 'player' who reached out to her seemed to be interested in dating again, but Sami, who lives in Sydney, believes he was only 'cuffing' her to avoid being single during the colder months and impending restrictions.
Sami Lukis (pictured) described how an ex-boyfriend started messaging her 'out of the blue' as Victoria announced their second six-week lockdown
The 'player' who reached out to her seemed to be interested in dating again, but Sami, who lives in Sydney, believes he was only 'cuffing' her to avoid being single during the colder months
'"Cuffing" has been a common winter dating trend in America for years. It's when you settle in with a romantic partner to get you through the winter months. You're not looking for anything long-term; you really just want to bunker down with a warm body when the mercury drops,' she told 9Honey.
Her prediction is that Australia will see a 'cuffing surge' as the virus rears its head again, with those who went through the last lockdown alone not looking to repeat the experience.
'The recent spike in coronavirus cases and the threat of a second wave could potentially force us all into repeat lockdowns and that's more than enough motivation for singles to lock in temporary relationships to help them survive those lonely winter nights,' she said.
Sami wasn't against the idea of 'COVID cuffing' so long as both parties agree to the short-term nature of the relationship.
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Sami wasn't against the idea of 'COVID cuffing' so long as both parties agree to the short-term nature of the relationship
But she decided not to link up with her ex-boyfriend for fear that history would repeat itself.
In April relationship expert Dr Nikki Goldstein revealed new ways to date while the population is social distancing and self isolating.
'The biggest asset we have right now is video platforms, where we can see other clearly as though we were sitting across the table but it's how we use these that makes a difference,' Dr Goldstein said.
She decided not to link up with her ex-boyfriend for fear that history would repeat itself
But, she added, you shouldn't jump head first into a FaceTime, Skype or Zoom date.
Instead, you need to treat this as you would any other dating experience and text a little and chat over the phone first, before you 'commit to some face-to-face conversations'.
Once you do feel ready to speak to someone and see their face at the same time, Dr Goldstein said it's a good idea to treat the first FaceTime chat as an actual date.
'Are you more a drink first dater? If so, then both grab a beverage and pretend as though you are at your local bar,' she said.
'If it's dinner, then order some take in and have a meal while chatting about all the things you would normally.'
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