We’ve all been there at some point in our lives: the random hookup, or one-night stand.
Ok, some of us (and our friends) may have been there a few times (like, say, this past weeked?). After all, there’s a reason that “hookup culture” became a buzz term.
And yeah, it’s easy not to feel great about it afterwards, no matter how mind-blowing it was at the time.
But here are 7 reasons you should stop beating yourself up about it:
1.You Can’t Change It
It happened. Even if it was with the last person in the club you’d touch without the help of five too many Grey Goose shots, it still happened. There’s absolutely nothing you can do about it now but accept it. Don’t beat yourself up – it’s only going to make you shame spiral even further. Shower, sleep it off, and move on.
2. You Learn
It’s one thing not to lament, but if you actually are disappointed in yourself and your lack of judgment, recognize that, learn from it and don’t fall into the same mistake in the future. A random hookup can teach you many things: that maybe it’s time to stop getting blackout drunk, that you’re ready for a relationship instead, or that – on the other hand –casual sex can be fun and fulfilling (no pun intended).
3. It’s Experience
Speaking of learning from it, good or bad, a casual hookup or booty call situation means experience and practice in the bedroom. And that can only do good things for you when you do fall into an actual relationship, right?
4. It’s Good for You (Physically, at Least)
Emotions aside, you can at least feel better in knowing that the encounter was good for you physically. There are many health benefits to sex and orgasms. If it’s wild enough, it’s a calorie-burning workout, it reduces stress levels, and scientists have even found that having an active sex life may even lower your risk of developing cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Now, there’s a silver lining.
5. You’re Not the Only One
Just as you were rolling over to an unfamiliar body in bed next to you on Sunday morning, so were countless young professionals across the city. Of 15 single Toronto YPs polled, 12 revealed they’ve had a casual encounter in the past six months. There are covert casual hookup addicts among all of us – it’s just not as openly discussed (or bragged about) the way it was in university.
6. It Doesn’t Make You Dirty
Would you call Carrie Bradshaw a slut? Probably not, and she’s had her fair share of casual (and fictional) sex – and that was before “hookup culture” even became a thing. Do you think George Clooney is slimy for dating dozens of women? Probably not. This isn’t 1950 – and even if it was, a random hookup doesn’t make you a “slut” or a “slime ball.” Lose that notion now.
7. One Day, You May Wish You Had the Option
So, you feel less than impressed with yourself. But at least you’re still young, free, and attractive enough to have a one-night stand in the first place. When you’re 60 and have been with the same person for decades, you may just reflect back on your carefree days with a smile.
#NOTABLE
Cover image from: philenews.com
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