I’m William Repetto, a second-year graduate student at Villanova University. This is the “‘Cat in the Stacks” column. I’m your ‘cat. I’ll be posting about college life, about learning and growing here at Villanova, and, of course, about the Falvey Memorial Library’s role.

The ’Cat in the Stacks is not a dating column – except for when it has to be. Only one time of year could necessitate the editorial decision to make this week’s post about romance: cuffing season. Now, because you’re a smart, suave member of the Villanova community, I know you think you know all there is to cuffing season, but I would like to gently remind you of some definitions you may not have come across.  

First, of course, there’s the standard definition of cuffing season; gals and guys tend to settle into relationships as the cold weather encroaches. Second, however, and the lesser known of the cuffing seasons, is that time of year when the chilly weather makes it feel as though your quilts and pillows have conspired to create an elaborate web of cuffs that keep you firmly tethered to the mattress despite the most annoying beckoning of the alarm clock. 

All that chilly weather that strikes right after Halloween can cuff you down anywhere, really. It happened to PATW author, Hunter Houtzer.

This second version of cuffing season actually applies to many aspects of home, apartment, or dorm living. Instead of running down to the dining hall, microwaveable meals become somehow more appealing; rather than going to one of those big study parties on the weekend, staying in and watching TV becomes all the more likely. And worst of all, studying at one’s own desk becomes somehow more appealing than coming over to the library. 

My advice for all the various outcomes of cuffing season is exactly the same: don’t ghost anyone. Let’s start with romantic relationships. Ghosting’s a real bummer. My mother always told me, “ignorance is worse than hatred.” That lesson is all too powerful these days, when ignorance can be as simple as not answering a text message. Don’t be that guy/gal; open communication is always best, even when things aren’t working out. 

Second, concerning those pesky quilts and pillows that seem to become one hundred times more cozy as the fall months change slowly into winter, don’t get cuffed down from the really important stuff. There’s nothing wrong with waiting out those frosty weekend mornings, but don’t ghost your professors either! As a TA currently, I’m here to tell you that we really miss you when you miss class. Legitimate reasons aside, don’t let cuffing season turn you into a ghost. 

The colder weather can even make us Falvey bloggers feel like we’re running on fumes.

Lastly, and speaking on behalf of the Falvey staff, don’t ghost us here at the library! We know that many resources are available online, but we love seeing you come to Falvey to attend an event, to study with friends, or simply to explore the stacks. Don’t let the cool walk tie you down to working in the dorm. The first floor, second floor, and the Dugan Polk Family Reading Room are still open 24/7. Don’t let them turn into ghost towns! 

Okay, so ’Cat in the Stacks still isn’t a dating column, but I still think it made an apt metaphor for talking about college life this time of year. As the cold weather moves in, requiring more and more layers of clothing, remember that campus is still abuzz with events and activities – particularly here at Falvey. 

Article by William Repetto, a graduate assistant in the Communication and Marketing Dept. at the Falvey Memorial Library. He is currently pursuing an MA in English at Villanova University. (Graphics courtesy of Bitmoji, and Hunter and I spending hours perfecting our representations!)