Believe it or not, there’s actually a right and wrong way to have a one-night stand. Not everyone is at a place in their lives where a relationship suits them, and you shouldn’t feel bad about it. If a night of fun is what you’re after, don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for it. Men are constantly hammered for wanting a one-night stand when in reality, there are women who are just as up for it. 

But there are certain unspoken rules when it comes to a one-night stand that you should know and follow before doing the dirty, so you can both enjoy the night together and walk away feeling good about yourselves and sexually satisfied. And Dr. Gilda Carle, Relationship Expert, and Author of I’m Worth Loving! Here’s Why, tells us exactly how to with her do’s and don’ts of a one-night stand. 

Do’s

1. “Do jump in the sack if you’re sexually charged at the moment and you don’t expect anything more to come of this liaison. Ever,” says Dr. Carle. Many people jump into bed thinking it’ll lead to something more now you’ve skipped to the most intimate part, but this isn’t the right mindset to have. Having sex doesn’t guarantee any sort of relationship as the amount of intimacy that can be felt is super limited if you only met that night. 

Occasionally people have developed deep, meaningful relationships from a one-night stand, but they didn’t go into the bedroom thinking this would happen. Neither of you should go into a one-night stand as an exchange for anything but equal pleasure. Dr. Carle recommends taking the title “One Night Stand” literally, and accept your lover’s goodbye as the gospel when you two part ways. No tears, no regrets. Just close the chapter and move on.

2. Do take advantage of this opportunity to feel better about yourself after a breakup, advises Dr. Carle. Sex with a stranger can be exactly what you need to get your confidence back. After a breakup, one of the most common thoughts people have is “will I ever be desired again?” – sad, but true.