Get unlimited access to everything VICE has to offer.

Turn off all ads on VICE.com

Exclusive New VICE Documentaries

Member Exclusive Features & Columns

Turn off all ads on VICE.com

Exclusive New VICE Documentaries

Member Exclusive Features & Columns

Turn off all ads on VICE.com

Exclusive New VICE Documentaries

Member Exclusive Features & Columns

4 Magazines Delivered to Your Door

The ‘September Theory’ Says Your Summer Fling Has an Expiration Date, and Experts Agree

No more “seeing where it goes” or “dating for the plot.”

Share on X (Opens in new window)X

Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Facebook

Share using Native toolsShareCopied to clipboard

With September just around the corner, what better time than to jump into yet another monthly “dating theory”? (Thankfully, this one is a bit more practical than others.)

The September Theory exists as a wake-up call to many casual daters or singles who have been enjoying summer fun beneath the sun. With this late summer, early autumn month approaching, more daters are gearing up for cuffing season and making more intentional dating decisions. No more “seeing where it goes” or “dating for the plot.” No, September asks for more grounded decisions.

Here’s what you can expect from the September Theory—especially when it comes to your love life.

What Is the September Theory in Dating?

As Susan Trombetti, matchmaker and CEO of Exclusive Matchmaking, told VICE, “The September Theory is basically when you know your relationship status by Labor Day. This is the time where you aren’t figuring it out if your summer........

© Vice