We’re officially in the middle of cuffin’ season draft season. The summer flings are winding down, the rooftop parties are getting cooler, and fall is already knocking at the door. And with it comes that question: is your summer situationship worth drafting into a relationship?

It’s one thing when it’s just a sneaky link and you don’t have to dive too deep—no pressure, no heavy talks, just vibes. But long-term compatibility? That’s a whole different ball game. Before you lock it down for the colder months, it’s worth asking: are we actually built to last past cuffin’ season?

Because chemistry will get you through the summer, but compatibility is what keeps you warm in the winter.

Here are the signs you and your person might actually be compatible for the long haul:

1. You Communicate Without Games

It’s not just about talking every day. Real compatibility shows up in how you talk to each other. Can you be honest without worrying they’ll blow up? Do they listen—like actually listen—when you share how you feel? If you both can talk about the hard stuff without ghosting, breadcrumbing, or throwing shade, that’s a green flag.

2. You Want Similar Things

Listen, love doesn’t have to mean you want the exact same life, but major values matter. Kids, marriage, career goals, money habits—those aren’t just “we’ll figure it out later” conversations. Compatibility means your long-term visions don’t cancel each other out. If one of y’all wants a family in five years and the other wants to be passport-stamping forever, that’s not alignment—that’s a ticking clock.

3. The Way You Argue Doesn’t Break You

Disagreements happen—it’s human. But the real test is how you fight. Do you go low and pull out receipts from 2019, or can you disagree without disrespect? Compatible couples argue with the goal of fixing, not finishing each other. If y’all can come back from conflict stronger, that’s a sign your foundation is solid.

4. You Enjoy the Boring Together

Anybody can look like couple goals when you’re on a baecation in Tulum or dancing all night at the function. But do you like them when it’s just TJ Maxx runs, laundry days, or sitting on the couch half-asleep? If the everyday feels good with them—if you laugh just as much doing nothing—that’s compatibility in action.

5. You Respect Each Other’s Independence

Cuffin’ season can trick you into being glued at the hip, but real relationships leave space. You don’t feel guilty about wanting solo time, and they don’t take it personally when you hang with your crew. Compatibility is knowing how to love each other without losing yourselves.

6. The Intimacy Stays Real

We’re not just talking about sex (though that matters too). Intimacy is also about trust, affection, and being vulnerable. Do you feel safe sharing the unfiltered version of you? Do they hype you up when you’re winning and hold space when you’re low? That emotional closeness is what keeps sparks alive after the physical fireworks fade.

7. Your Lifestyles Don’t Clash

Night owl vs. early bird. Homebody vs. outside-every-weekend. Big spender vs. saver. Nobody has to be a clone of their partner, but if your day-to-day habits constantly collide, it gets exhausting. Compatibility looks like rhythms that complement each other, not ones that make you roll your eyes every week.

8. You Genuinely Like Each Other

This sounds simple, but it’s the most overlooked. Beyond attraction, do you actually like who they are? Their personality, their quirks, the way they move through the world? If the answer is yes, you’re already ahead of the game. Because when life gets messy, it’s that genuine like that keeps you choosing each other.

Cuffin’ season can be fun, but when the leaves fall and the drafts begin, remember: not everyone is meant to make the roster. Chemistry will get you to the door, but compatibility is what keeps the door open.

So before you go all-in, take a moment to ask yourself: is this just a vibe… or is it my person?