Social media is no stranger to cranking out microtrends that send Gen Z into a mental twister, but normally it stays in its lane: labeling Hailey Bieber’s lipgloss looks and packaging clothing aesthetics to match popular TV show characters.
The rise of the “beige flag” trend earlier last season was something different, and it looks like it’s sticking around to haunt prospective couples as we head into this year’s cuffing season. But what is it? In fact, we might need a refresher on what “cuffing season” is. Luckily for us, Cleveland familiar and veteran It’s Just Lunch matchmaker Natalie Fry has the breakdown.
What is Cuffing Season?
“The term is a bit of a descriptor for that feeling we get as the weather starts to cool down,” explains Fry. “We all start looking for someone to hunker down and cuddle up with. We may feel the need or the desire to link, or ‘cuff’ ourselves to a significant other as the seasons change, especially through Thanksgiving, Christmas and definitely the new year.”
(Photo courtesy Shutterstock Images/Ground Picture)
How Do Beige Flags Factor In?
“Beige flags are like the stepping stone to red flags, so not quite ‘panic mode’ in regards to getting out of a relationship, but it can be a trait or a situation that leaves you feeling a little bit unsettled. Think of a beige flag as something unusual you noticed — something that gives you pause,” says Fry.
“An example of this would be finding that someone’s Instagram profile is full of only selfies, or you discover that they iron their gym clothes or need a fork at a sushi restaurant. It’s not quite something we would immediately write a person off for, but we are questioning, ‘What’s going on with this person?’”
(Photo courtesy Shutterstock Images/Elena Elisseeva)
How Serious Should We Be Taking This?
“I think it really just depends. With social media, everything is front and center on your device, so snap judgments can come with the territory. It’s only natural to have an immediate reaction to something that surprises you, or is different [from the norm],” says Fry.
“Per my beige flag example, someone’s profile being full of selfies could be a clue to a red flag that they are overly self-involved or egotistical. On the other hand, it could just be a really positive and happy person that just loves selfies.”
Fry shares that while we don’t want to run into trouble with honing too much on all of these traits, it is good to keep a mental note for future reference. A pile of beige flags might just add up to one glaring red one.
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