One night stands are like a good pair of jeggings or a studded bow-tie — they’re not meant for everyone. The trick to getting out of a one night stand unscathed is to leave your emotions out of it. Separating emotions and sex can be extremely difficult, which is why you should only really allow yourself to be in such a situation if you’re confident you’ll enjoy it and not feel any reservations the morning after.

But if you do feel up for one night of pleasure with no strings attached, the following is a neat little guide to getting in and out, without looking like you’re trying (which, by the way, is the key).

You want to zero in on the person who catches your eye. Be smooth without being cocky, smart without being pedantic, and know your angles. Be direct — don’t dance around the issue, you know what you want and if you feel chemistry with this person, go after them. (Not that you should be asking for straight up sex — your object of interest is not a hooker. As far as you know.) You’re not asking for marriage, much less a date. You’re asking for the night.

Make him/her comfortable. Buy them a drink, dance, talk, and take it from there. If you’re clicking, you should be good to go for the exit.

And in case of rejection: play it cool. It was a wish for one night, and quite frankly, meant nothing to you. Little Bob and Jane, Jr., on the other hand, might like another try. So get back out there, and try it again.
One night stands are the drive thru’s of sex. You get in, get what you want, and go home. There’s nothing wrong with wanting strictly pleasure with a stranger or even someone you sort of know (if it’s someone any closer, you will risk an awkward morning and other possible repercussions).

Have protection on you, and make your bedroom at least remotely presentable.

And P.S., the art of sexual tension is nothing to be frowned upon. Suggest it, acknowledge it, build it and consummate it.

Sometimes, the best way to treat an impulse is to act on it. Get that piece of pie.