For many of us, online dating in the winter can seem daunting. It’s cold outside, you have to bundle up, plus your DVR is rammed, tempting you to just snuggle up on the sofa and wait for warmer days. It’s so easy to slip into a winter rut and avoid dating altogether, when really this is the ideal time of year to meet someone new. In fact, online dating in the winter is a great way to get out of that rut. So, before you press “play” on that next episode of True Detective, here are a few reasons online dating can heat up your winter months.

1. It’s prime dating season!

If you’ve been telling yourself, “I won’t meet anyone because it’s cold and it’s winter” – you’re dead wrong. A study out of the Kinsey Institute found that 82 percent of 1,000 Match.com clients feel “more romantic” during winter – likely thanks to the proliferation of romantic, holiday movies (Love Actually, anyone?) and the prospect of cuddling up next to someone cute by the fire. Sounds pretty awesome, right?

The reality is that peak online dating season is from December to February. In fact, 14 percent of men and 10 percent of women surveyed admitted to dating someone during this time just so they had someone to be with during the holidays. Although I don’t suggest you couple up with someone for the sole sake of having them keep you company during the winter, the fact that this is the busiest time for online dating means you’re going to see the most singles online, increasing your chances of meeting someone who’s a really great match. In other words, why not strike while the iron is hot?

2. It’s gets you off your couch and out of your funk.

I know, I know, you really want to watch that next episode of True Detective, but if you want to get out of your winter funk, you’re going to have to get up off the couch. Online dating is a great excuse to get out, dress up and meet someone new. Although there is definitely a time and a place for cozy nights in, I know I’m not alone when I say I feel better about myself when I get dressed in real clothes and shave my legs. Just saying.

Besides, even though the weather is chilly, getting outside can do wonders for your winter blues. Why not take advantage of this time of year to try some winter-centric activities with someone new? Try ice-skating, building a snowman together or going for a sleigh or carriage ride in the snow. Being out in fresh air will not only help get the endorphins going and do wonders for your mood, it will also make you feel more amorous! Hey, you might even meet someone to watch that next episode of True Detective with.

3. It’s opportunity to meet new people (regardless of where it goes.)

I know what you’re thinking – “But I just want to wait to meet ‘The One.’” I get it – we all want to meet someone special, otherwise we wouldn’t even be signed up for online dating in the first place. However, it’s not going to happen if you just stay at home, not meeting anyone. Not every date is going to lead to a long-term relationship, nor should it. New experiences are good for us. Sometimes it’s just nice to go out for a drink with someone new and enjoy some good conversation. Worst case scenario you might gain a new friend or learn more about what you’re looking for in a long-term partner.

4. It’s romantic.

I think the 82 percent of Match.com users who said they feel more romantic in winter are definitely on to something. There’s something to be said about the inherent romance of winter: cold nights, kisses in the dark while snow falls, skating at Rockefeller Center, cozy nights in. It seems like a shame not to take advantage of all of this!

5. If you put yourself out there, you might actually meet someone.

I know this probably seems like, “Well, duh! Isn’t that the point?!” Winter is the perfect time to grab the bull by the horns, so to speak, and let the universe know that you want to meet someone special. Whether it happens or not this season, taking chances and putting ourselves out there helps us grow as people. Besides, if you approach it with a positive attitude, dating is a lot of fun! So, take advantage of everything winter has to offer and ask someone out on a date. I promise that detectives Cohle and Hart will be waiting for you when you get back.