I recently wrote an article covering “11 Reasons Why You Should Keep Having One-Night Stands”. However, I quickly realized that I didn’t mention factors you should consider about yourself before deciding to go for a one-nighter. This type of hook-up is not for everyone, so here are six questions you should ask yourself before getting into the world of one-night stands!
1. What are your intentions?
Your intentions are the reasons why you want to have a one-night stand. It is important that your reasons are positive, rather than negative. Are you trying to get over an ex? Are you in a bad mental state and think it will help? Make sure that you know what your intentions are, because you don’t want to wake up in the morning with any regrets. If you are feeling down in the dumps, a one-night stand could just make you feel worse. However, if you just want to have some fun and have your needs met… go for it!
2. Would you want to do it with them again?
For a one-night stand to truly be a one-night stand, you have to be prepared to never see them again, or at least never sleep with them again. Are you up for it? If not, that’s fine! Figure out what you are prepared for, and go from there.
3. Are you looking for love?
If you are looking for a relationship, then a one-night stand is not for you. Relationships involve developing emotions for one another and planning for the future, which is fantastic… but that is not what a one-night stand is designed for. Although it is not unheard of for a relationship to build from a one-night stand, it should not be something you are secretly hoping for when going into it. As long as you go into the night with no expectations of a future, there is no chance of anyone getting hurt.
4. Do you easily get emotionally attached?
If you’re the type of person that starts thinking about a future with someone you’ve exchanged three texts with, or you start planning your wedding after the first date, then a one-night stand may not be your best bet. Sometimes it takes having a one-night stand to know how you will react. No one knows you better than you do, so be smart about it. A safe rule to follow is: if you fall in love at the drop of a hat, you will fall in love at the drop of your pants.
5. Are you prepared to be judged?
It is the 21st century, and being sexually active is nothing to be ashamed about, but there is still a stigma around one-night stands. You have to be confident enough to not care what the haters think. You do you!
6. Can you handle the awkward morning situation?
And finally, are you confident in your ability to wake up the next morning and make a graceful (and swift) exit? If you chose the right person, waking up to them may be a very comfortable experience and potentially lead to round two, but sometimes it can be just plain awkward. Have an exit strategy, and be able to execute it! A one-night stand isn’t for the faint of heart. If you know you will feel bad about leaving, then one-nighters may not be for you!
So, there you have it. Hopefully these questions have helped you decide whether a one-night stand is right for you. There is no shame in trying new things, and figuring out what works best for yourself and your sanity. Never feel pressured to do anything that you are not 100% comfortable with. If you love one-night stands, keep having them, and if they aren’t for you, that’s great too! No matter what you choose, as long as you’re confident in your decision, that’s all that matters.