Now that the weather is warmer and the dress code is "wear as little as is socially appropriate," it's the perfect time to think about having a summer fling. Who doesn't want someone to snuggle with under a picnic blanket on the Fourth of July? If you play your cards right, you can enjoy the fireworks and still make a graceful exit come Labor Day weekend.
First, you have to find suitable fling material. The beach is a great place to scope out eye candy strutting their stuff in the sand. If you're landlocked, try hitting up air-conditioned locations like chic cafes, restaurants, and boutiques to find out where the hotties cool off. But the best place to meet your fling is a summer soiree thrown by one of your friends who can introduce you to their single acquaintances. Between the fruity drinks and groovy beats, you're bound to find someone fun to hang out with. Don't have any friends throwing a party in the near future? Host one yourself, and ask your invites to bring along a single friend.
Once you zero in on the guy or gal of your dreams, strike up a conversation by talking about the heat outside. Ask them about their summer job, their vacation plans, and how long they'll be in the area. Keep your eyes open for red flags like a broken heart-it may be tempting to pursue someone who has just ended a long-term relationship, but it will be difficult to keep things casual if they're still nursing their wounds. Look for someone who is in a good place emotionally, and then flirt like your life depends on it.
The next step is to turn up the heat. Suggest a moonlight stroll by the water, or a dinner date at that great little Italian place downtown. If you get rejected, just brush it off and move on, but if there's interest make sure you capitalize on it-summer is not the time to play it cool. Keep the conversation flowing smoothly and don't be afraid to make the first move, even if that's not usually your style. Unless you're going after your college roommate-in which case you should know the rules about dormcest-there's little need to worry about coming off like a fool to someone who realizes the spark may fade once the heat dies down.
Above all, don't let things get too serious, because the most important part of a summer fling is keeping everything fun and casual. This means knowing your limits when it comes to physical and emotional intimacy; you don't want to do anything you will regret later. And if your hunny-bunny is starting to get all mushy on you, end things quickly but kindly, understanding that the longer you wait to pull the trigger, the more complicated it will be.
Have fun, stay safe, and enjoy the sun! Just be careful when pursuing a summer fling, and no one will get burned.
Other articles:
Finding the Perfect Date Outfit
The Do's and Don'ts of Dormcest
