Get out of the door when it's dark at five
Winter's problem isn't a shortage of people, it's a shortage of reasons to leave the flat. By half four it's dark, it's raining and the sofa wins. The winter months post makes a neat point: seven o'clock is the same seven o'clock it was in July, and only the dark makes it feel later. Remind yourself of that and an invitation gets easier to accept, and the sofa will still be there when you get back. Dress in layers, so you're comfortable on the walk and still comfortable in a warm pub. Say yes to the first invitation of the week and the rest get easier.
There's an upside. The early dark means a first date can start straight after work, over a pint in a pub with candles on the tables, which gives the evening more hours. The post called Hook up this winter adds the pull of snuggling for warmth and long evenings at home, where things can happen without anyone checking the time.
Make staying in the plan
A cold night also gives you a ready excuse to stay in. If you've already met and got on, an evening at home with food, a film and the heating on is a perfectly good date. The post that calls winter the perfect time to hookup argues the same from the other side: with so few people keen to go out, the ones who do are glad of a reason to head back inside. If you're hosting, get the flat warm before they arrive, have a hot drink ready and a blanket to hand. A cold flat is a quick way to a short evening.
For the playful side, the December 2019 post on winter sex itself covers what to wear, what to try and why warm feet matter. Talk before you try anything new.
Plan the practical bits. Check the last train, keep your phone charged and pack for the trip home, because icy pavements and cancelled services are a bad end to a good night. And if winter leaves you flat, don't ask a hookup to fix it. Seeing friends, getting outside in daylight and talking to your GP if it drags on all count too.
Booked a ski trip? The slopes post has advice for the way out, the lift and the parties afterwards. The festive stretch has its own page at Christmas hook up, and our guide to meeting safely helps with getting home.
Warm up your winter
- How to hook up in the winter months
- Hook-up this winter and have great winter sex
- Winter is the perfect time to hookup
- Hook up this winter
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