Should You Cuff or Cut ‘Em Loose? Winter Fling Edition

You’ve spent the winter swiping, flirting, and warming up alongside a potential partner (or two). But while they may have been the one to keep things heated through the holiday daze, cuffing season is coming to an end, and the fires of your cold-weather fling could be burning out — or as kindled as ever. If you’re in the market for a real-deal romance to bloom with those spring flowers, you’ll want to decide whether your latest lover is worth locking down for the long run or best left on read. So, should you keep them cuffed or cut ‘em loose? Allow Fleur to help.

Cuff: They Speak Your Love Language

Perhaps you swoon over acts of service, quality time, or unwrapping a new set of lingerie. Whatever it is that gives you pleasure, a partner that speaks your love language is one worth locking down. Our advice? Don’t shy away from opening up about the things that make you feel special (whether you prefer a bouquet of flowers or a flowery new vibrator), or asking questions about how you can reciprocate. The best way to make sure you’re both being heard? Take your intimacy to new heights by spending a night getting up close and really personal. Spill your secrets, reveal your desires, and give each other exactly what you want and need.

Cut Loose: They Don’t Prioritize You

Sometimes a fling is just a fling, but if you find yourself staring at your phone just waiting for a text back, following up about date nights, or fielding consistent cancellations, it’s probably a sign to part ways. While they may be at the top of your romantic roster, it doesn’t seem like you’re a priority on theirs. So kick ‘em to the curb and remind yourself exactly what they’re missing. Slip into a sexy new number, turn up your pregame tunes, and get yourself feeling glam — it’s time to hit the town looking as hot-to-trot as ever. Trust, you’ll have no trouble getting showered with all the attention you deserve from much more suitable suitors.

Cuff: They Keep You Stimulated — In More Ways Than One

From romps in the sheets to chats over ‘tinis, you can count on them to keep you stimulated, both body and mind. Because let’s be real, no matter how hot things get in the bedroom, a boring personality is sure to fizzle out that sizzle. But someone who’s got you hooked on both their moves and their mind? Well then, that’s a keeper. If you both crave new experiences and are open to trying anything once (or twice, if you like it), keep ‘em cuffed with some oh-so-titillating activities that’ll have you both on your toes. New toys, new positions, new fantasies to role play? All gloves are off, baby.

Cuff: They Love Showing You Off

We know you’re way more than just arm candy, but you don’t get all dolled up in your finest Fleur just to Netflix and Chill (well, not always). From chic masquerade soirees to candlelit cocktail clubs, you turn heads and they know it, and they should be secure enough to show you off at every opportunity. But while you’ve got those slinky slip dresses on deck for fancy evenings out, they know you save your best undressed looks for last call — and those are for their eyes only.

Cut Loose: They Put No Effort Into Wooing You

If you’re not getting wined, dined, and — well, you know the rest — on the regular, they’re not the one. Sure, you don’t mind staying in once in a while (especially when it involves lounging around in luxe robes and cheeky boxers), but a lover worth cuffing is never going to let your romance lose its spark, or have you packing away your little lace minis and going-out stilettos in favor of fuzzy slippers forever. If their version of a date night is always more stay-at-home than sweep-you-off-your-feet, sever your ties and say “sayonara!” Then take matters into your own hands — literally. After all, if they’re not wooing you right, who better to do it than you?