Bluntly put, I am an avid supporter of the one-night stand. That doesn’t mean I spend all my weekends seeking out and partaking in boozy sex with random strangers, but rather that I find true value in the experience.
In many instances, I have been advised against engaging in one-night stands. It’s probably because I am a woman, and by partaking in and enjoying casual sex, I will henceforth and forever be considered a “slut.” Well ladies and gents, after much careful consideration on the matter, I can say with great pleasure that this is all bullshit.
People like sex. People have sex. It’s in our nature, no matter our gender or sexuality. The one-night stand is simply another way to participate in the sexual phenomenon that is life. We all have them, and typically, they happen more than once. We must be accepting and comfortable with the reality of sex, keeping in mind that it can be casual, too. And like any other sexual relationship or encounter, the one-night stand has its perks as well.
First and foremost, you get to have sex. It might not be mind-blowing, toe-curling, “never-want-to-leave-the-bedroom-ever-again” sex — but then again, how frequently do those occurrences even take place? It’s sex nonetheless, as long as there’s consent, and sometimes you just need someone to get the job done. You’re getting laid, so enjoy it! There is also nothing quite like fucking someone new.
Second, there are no strings attached. Reiterating what was previously stated, you’re having sex with someone you have no previous ties to. You can embrace the fact that you don’t know this person and may never see them again, which allows you to explore your sexual capabilities to the fullest. Be fearless — do things you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t been granted the opportunity to do. Not only is there something exciting and thrilling in that fact itself, but if you’re not into it, you don’t have to make it into anything more than a one-time fuck.
The setting of the affair is sometimes the most exhilarating factor of all. The one-night stand is unplanned, and usually so is the situation. This can range anywhere from Memorial Glade to the roof of a building overlooking the Bay Area skyline. The possibilities are endless. One-night stands push you out of your comfort zone and provide you with nearly boundless screwing ground, if you allow them to. The backdrop of the situation is always the best part of the story.
In a college setting, one-night stands can often lead to something more. Just to clarify — by “more” I don’t necessarily mean something romantic, but something along the lines of a friendship or a consistent fuck buddy.
Romantic relationships don’t come easily, and it’s not like you’re going to fall in love with every person you meet — and you don’t want to at a fast-paced university like UC Berkeley. But a new partner can make a great addition to this fast-paced lifestyle. There’s a time and place for love, and there’s a reason people spend their entire lives searching for it. In the meantime, we have to make do with what we’ve got, which, quite frankly, isn’t so bad.
With that said, if you feel that you’re up to it, go fuck someone new.
