How to Softly Exit Your Cuffin’ Season Situation Before Spring Hits

We’ve got about five weeks left until spring, which means one thing—if you don’t see a long-term future with your cuffin’ season bae, now is the time to start mapping out your graceful exit strategy. Right after Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to begin your soft fade before things get too deep. Once the sun starts setting later and the day parties start rolling in, you don’t want to be accidentally locked into a situationship that was only meant for winter.

Sidenote: You know @JoinTheMVEMNT Bullpen schedule is dropping soon, and you do not need to be caught up in last season’s roster when it’s time to get outside.

If you’re ready to transition from “we” to “me” before the first rooftop brunch invite drops, you need a strategy. And no, not ghosting—we’re grown. You gotta finesse this with grace, like the cuffing season vet you are.

The Official Cuffin’ Season Exit Schedule

If you want to be completely single by April 30th, here’s your step-by-step exit plan:

Phase 1: The Soft Fade (Feb 15 – March 15)

• Gradually reduce availability (less texting, fewer dates, no back-to-back weekends).
• Stop initiating plans—if they don’t reach out, let it be.
• Ease out of sleepovers. No more Friday-to-Sunday marathons.
• Start removing terms of endearment (no more “babe,” “boo,” or any pet names).

Lyric Mood: “I’m in my bag, I’m in my to-go” – Jazmine Sullivan, BPW

Phase 2: The Vibe Shift (March 16 – April 7)

• Cut out weekday links completely. If they wanna see you, weekends only.
• Text responses should be short and slow. Nothing enthusiastic.
• Mention that you’re “focusing on yourself” in casual conversation.
• Politely dodge any talks of future plans beyond April.

Lyric Mood: “We ain’t even gotta talk too much, after I text, I’m gon’ call your bluff” – Summer Walker, Girls Need Love

Phase 3: The Pre-Breakup (April 8 – April 22)

• You are now officially hard to reach. Take hours to respond, if you respond at all.
• Start posting like you’re single—solo brunch, new hobbies, hinting at outside energy.
• Politely decline plans for anything beyond the end of April.
• If they ask “What’s up with us?”, hit ‘em with “I’ve just been thinking a lot about what I want…”

Lyric Mood: “I need space, I need love, I need time” – Brent Faiyaz, Dead Man Walking

Phase 4: The Official Breakup (April 23 – April 30)

• Time to rip the Band-Aid off. Send the clean and respectful exit message: “I really enjoyed our time together, but I think we’re moving in different directions. I just wanna be real with you before things go any further.”
• No long explanations, no unnecessary drama.
• Don’t leave room for “what ifs.” If they try to argue, just reiterate, “I know what I need right now, and I don’t want to lead you on.”
• Go radio silent. No check-ins, no double-backing. You are officially single before May 1st.

Lyric Mood: “If you don’t want me, then don’t talk to me” – Fantasia, Free Yourself

And Just Like That… You’re Outside Again

The streets have been calling, and you just picked up. You’re officially back on the market before the first sundress day of the season. Mission accomplished. Now go forth, and enjoy spring responsibly. 🌸☀️🍾