There is a reason I do not live at the equator. As much as a balmy climate has its perks, I am a sucker for the changing of the seasons. There is something truly magical about fall. The air has a crisp tang to it. The sky seems bluer. The smell of changing leaves and wood smoke just make me happy. Don’t you love getting your cozy sweaters out of storage? It’s time to find someone to cuddle up with on a cool autumn evening, or walk with, hand in hand, scuffling through the fallen leaves.
Whenever you have a chance to fall in love, I say, “Go for it.” But fall really is the best time to topple for someone special.
Why? I’ll tell you.
It’s time to nest. Summer is busy. Always. Everyone in the universe travels, plans parties, stays out late, turns into raisins in the pool/hot tub/ocean. It’s exhausting. When the sizzle is over, and the air cools, we instinctively turn inward, settle our routines, and look more for the “cozy factor” than the social whirl. What better way to get cozy than with a special someone?
Hibernate with a partner. Science supports this idea. According to the experts, it is a primal instinct to pair up for winter hibernation! When the cold wind blows this winter, you’ll be happy to have that cuddle-partner nearby.
Short days, long nights. The cooler months are a great time to begin a relationship for many reasons. The shorter days means more time to be indoors getting to know one another, rather than out hiking, biking, drinking, dancing—all fun things to do with a date but less conducive to intimacy. Also, there is something to be said for those long winter nights.
Where might you meet someone yummy before the north wind blows?
Here are some ideas:
Fall festivals. The summer is a time for music fests, but the fall is harvest time. Garlic fests, beer fests, food fests, Halloween fests—great places to go meet the fun and young at heart!
Football. Head to your nearest sports bar or stadium. Tailgate with friends and strike up a conversation about your fave team.
Bonfires. Or Halloween parties or other fun fall gatherings. Toast marshmallows as you sit by the roaring bonfire in your coziest cool weather sweater. If there are none on the calendar, host one!
Take a class. Find local classes in something that interests you, like cooking, kick-boxing, or wine tasting. Meet like-minded people. You can also join (or start) a club—from book clubs to hiking clubs and everything in between, there is something for everyone.
Hint: Don’t forget to spruce up your online dating profile sporting new fall attire. Everyone loves the classy (and cozy) look of fall clothes.
Once you meet someone fabulous, there is no end to the wonderful things you can do together before winter sets in.
The cooler temperatures of autumn are great for getting really close! Take full advantage:
Hold hands—as much as possible. It’s fun!
Take long walks. Look at the views. (Don’t forget to hold hands!)
Take leaf-peeper drives out into the countryside, stop for lunch. (Hold hands.)
Hayrides. (Romantic and a great excuse to hold hands.)
Haunted houses. (Scary – great excuse to hold hands, and even clutch one another for protection.)
Stay home. Cook dinner, watch a movie (hold hands), light a fire, snuggle up under a blanket.
Fall is such a peaceful time of year—a great time to nestle in with someone special. And, as much as we might not want to think about them yet, the holidays are ahead. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and that New Year’s kiss awaits, not to mention Valentine’s Day. Don’t get me wrong. The holidays as a single are fun too. If we don’t have a special someone by the time the snow falls, we’ll be fine—hanging out with family and friends, or hunkering down with a good book by the fire. But it is normal for thoughts of comfort and warmth to pique our desire for intimacy. I hope your season is full of hand-holding and love.