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The One-Night Stand

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Rachel Miller Student Contributor, University of California - Santa Barbara
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCSB chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

One-Night Stand. A taboo string of words that has found itself embedded and immersed in the sexual cuture of Isla Vista. The one-night stand is an inevitable, inescapable occurence at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Isla Vista is a hotbed of blonde babes and hormone-filled, tank-top-wearing guys; add 4-8 fl oz of Heritage or 48-96 fl oz of Natty Light to this equation and your product is a one-night stand. Whether you have just broken up with your significant other, haven’t gotten laid since the last Presidential Election, or just want to have a little fun, the end result is always the same. The one-night stand has gleaned an exceedingly negative connotation in the past ten years, labeling men as “pigs” and women as “sluts.” However, if you are being safe, there is mutual consent, and it is not a constant occurence, what is so wrong with having a one-night stand? Let’s explore the pros and cons of this alcohol-and-hormone-charged sexual experience.

 

Pros:
1. Amazing Sex 

Considering you will likely never see each other again, now is the time to let go of your inhibitions and experiment. Try that crazy position you read about in one of Cosmo’s “Hot Issues—it may result is absolutely mind-blowing sex.

2. Confidence Boost

Being well-received anywhere, especially the bedroom, can be a real ego boost for a woman. Knowing that you pleased your lucky guy is the ultimate compliment.

3. Liberation

Allowing yourself this rare, sexually-freeing night of pure pleasure, fun, and experimentation can be quite liberating. 

 

Cons:
1. Unexpected pregnancy/STD’s

Such an impromptu night of fun can likely leave you and your guy without a condom. Don’t “wing it” or use the “pull and pray” method. No condom, no fun.

2. Regret

It is easy to feel guilty or regretful about such a frowned-upon activity; if you think that you will ultimately feel bad about yourself at the end of the night then stay away from a one-night stand.

3. Attachment

Girls have the tendency to become more attached than guys. If you are going to be upset or disappointed over your one-night stand not taking you out for breakfast the next morning or making plans for a second date, then do not engage. 

 

Advice:
1. Be Safe

Use a condom and be sure that you are on a second form of birth control such as an oral contraceptive. Nothing makes a temporary experience more permanent than a baby or disease. 

2. Don’t Feel Guilty

Society has taught women to feel bad about exploring and welcoming their sexuality. You won’t have a fun and sexy night if you are preoccupied with thoughts of being deemed a “slut.” 

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Rachel Miller

UCSB

Rachel is a senior at UC Santa Barbara and studies Communication and Global Peace and Security. Rachel is from a small, beautiful town in southern California called Palos Verdes. However, Palos Verdes is just one of the many places Rachel has lived. Rachel spent her childhood moving and traveling all over the world, living in places such as Indianapolis, Indiana; Santiago, Chile; Vienna, Austria; and Orlando, Florida. Rachel has found her heart and her home in California, choosing to spend her college years in sunny Santa Barbara. However, Rachel continued her wanderlust when she studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain in Fall 2012. At UCSB, Rachel is an immensely dedicated and involved member of her sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma, where she held the positions of Panhellenic Delegate, Inter-Greek Counselor, Rho Gam, and a member of the Nominating Slate. Best Buddies, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is a passion of Rachel's, as she is their Social Media Coordinator as well as an active and proud member. As a member of the Lambda Pi Eta Communication Honors Society, Rachel is able to implement her prowess and affinity for communication and communication-related issues. When Rachel is not writing, participating in Kappa events, or volunteering, you can find her in the gym, on the soccer field, watching Modern Family, or cooking. Rachel's love for sports, food, and writing often times go hand-in-hand, as one may see in her weekly blogs. For the past two summers, Rachel has been freelance writing for the Los Angeles Times, and hopes to continue her career pursuit of journalism after she graduates. Rachel is elated to be a part of Her Campus's fabulous team and loves every moment of it!