by Jamie Bessett

Created on: August 14, 2008   Last Updated: August 26, 2008

Everyone must have walked the infamous "walk of shame" at one time or another. You know that walk back to your dorm room, or the walk out a building to grab a taxi or your car while looking disheveled in the previous nights attire? When you walk down the street where you try not to make eye contact with anyone in fear that they will know that you have just had a one night stand? On the other hand, you could be making the "walk of fame" knowing that you just tagged that one person that you have had your eye on and dreamt about night after night. You might have the staggering hope that the one night stand was the beginning of a long and everlasting love affair, and you want to tell every person what you just accomplished. Individuals are apt to handle one night stands on an individual basis depending on circumstances, your state of mind, and most importantly, the other person.

The typical courtesy of a long courtship between two people generally goes out the window when it comes to a one night stand. Actions involved with a one night stand generally happen very quickly and emotions run high for a brief period of time. Decisions that are made during this period of time can either leave a person feeling elated or regretful, either way; there is no real proper etiquette when handling a one night stand. As I mentioned before, the other person in a one night stand has a lot to do with your actions throughout and immediately following a one night stand.

If you commit to a one night stand while under the influence or under peer pressure you may regret your decision immediately following your decision. However, you don't owe the other person any explanation or any more of your time if you don't want to be there. There is nothing wrong with walking out the door following a one night stand to escape the awkwardness of the situation and the disconnection with the other person. The one night stand probably happened as quickly as it was over under these circumstances, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with walking out on the other person while they are sleeping to avoid any further uncomfortable emotions. You are already going to have to live with your decision for the rest of your life so why spend one more second with another individual if you don't plan on developing any more of a relationship with them.

Let's not forget that the exact opposite could be the case following a one night stand. Two people can easily meet and develop a long lasting, loving relationship based

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