by Bruce W. Coffman

Created on: August 13, 2008   Last Updated: August 26, 2008

The stereotypical image of the aftermath of the one-night stand is a lovelorn woman awaking amidst a pile of rumpled sheets, looking around wide-eyed and bewildered, wondering where her Prince Charming has gone as the front door slams shut and the sound of squealing tires can be heard in the distance. These days, however, with women more willing to assert their sexual independence, it's just as likely to be some poor guy staring out the window at a dust cloud in the driveway.

With increasingly hectic schedules, people choosing to marry later in life and other societal trends changing so rapidly, one-night stands are more common than ever, with both males and females choosing the option of no-strings sex over time consuming and complex relationships. While perceptions of one-night stands still vary, it has become a much more socially acceptable form of sexual release.

Questions of one-night stand etiquette actually deal slightly more with what goes on before the encounter than afterward, but the afterward part usually gets the most attention. The best way to end the encounter should be determined, even if unspoken, by mutual agreement beforehand.

This means that it should be clear between both parties that what is about to happen is a one-night stand. This, first and foremost, will save hurt feelings and complications and make the entire process a lot smoother. It will also give both parties a pretty clear indication of how to make an acceptable "getaway" when the deed is done.

Whether male or female, if all you're looking for is a one night stand, respect the other person enough to let them know that immediately. Don't overdo the flirtation and the sweet-talking as this can be confused with wanting something more. This doesn't mean you have to adopt a cold, clinical approach, but it does mean that sending mixed signals will make things messy. Getting to know a little about one another is fine, but save the discussions of hopes and dreams and life goals for someone with whom you plan on spending more than one night.

If you think you're well on your way to making the agreement and suddenly the other party pulls out pictures of their puppy or talks about introducing you to their parents, it's time to politely excuse yourself and find someone with a clearer idea of what you're looking for. If you go ahead with the one-night stand with this type of person, do not be surprised to find your pet rabbit boiling on your stove after you haven't returned a few hundred calls.

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