Five types of fall flings you’ll definitely run into this season

Ah, fall—the season of pumpkin spice, cosy scarves, and new beginnings. As the leaves change, it’s the perfect reminder to let go of what’s behind you and make room for growth. Usually, this is the time to leave old mistakes behind and step confidently into what’s next. But let’s be real: some people aren’t ready to let go of you that easily. They pop back into your life at just the wrong moment, testing boundaries and tempting you to think maybe things will be different this time.

Here’s the thing: fall can be magical, but it also has a knack for bringing the classic “situationship” characters back into your orbit. Consider this your guide to spotting them—and keeping your season drama-free.

The pumpkin spice sceptic

Radar check: Side-eye over pumpkin spice, Taylor Swift, or romance novels is your cue to step away.

The hoodie collector

You know the type whose dating profile reads like a warning: “expert at reclaiming hoodies you ‘borrowed’”? Chances are, he’ll claim yours instead. What started as a casual weekend loan quickly becomes permanent ownership, sometimes with a subtle mark to “prove” it’s his. Three weeks later, it’s still in his closet, and the reality is clear: he was never after anything more than your wardrobe.

Radar check: Appears on social media wearing your favourite sweatshirt and denies ownership when confronted.

The aux hijacker

If I had a rupee for every time this person commandeered the playlist, I could retire comfortably. Car rides, pre-games, grocery store runs—he ensures his carefully curated tracks are always front and centre. Expect acoustic covers of rap songs, obscure SoundCloud tracks, and one Bon Iver track he swears by. He calls it “vibes,” but it’s often just a performance of control.

The seasonal ghost

As fall begins, so too does the resurgence of the past. Former partners reappear, suddenly “interested” in how you’re doing, often under the guise of nostalgia. Their intentions are rarely sincere; they’re guided by the seasonal urge to reconnect rather than any real interest.

Radar check: Random messages or story replies on cooler evenings, often with heart or fire emojis.

The crypto convert

He can lecture for hours about Bitcoin, Dogecoin, or NFTs, convinced they’ll make him a fortune. Suddenly, he discovers feminism, but only when the check arrives. Passionate debates about equality are common, but only in settings where money is involved.

Radar check: Redirects conversations to cryptocurrency, wears more hoodies than shirts (bonus points for startup logos), and insists he’s generous—until it comes time to pay.

Lead image credit: IMDb

Also read: 2000’s romcoms that revived our faith in love in 2025

Also read: Golden retriever boyfriend or a toxic manchild in disguise? We’re done turning a blind eye