It’s 11 p.m., you’ve had three shots and some drinks, and you’re ready to go. You look hot, your friends look hot, and all of you know people will be shoving through the crowd to get a dance with you.
You spot a cutie. Someone worthy of your time. The dancing is great, a rare experience in Gainesville. But…do you make out with them?
Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the moment that it’s difficult to think logically about whether or not hooking up with a hot stranger is a good idea. Here are tidbits to keep in mind:
1. Herpes
Herpes is obviously the main reason that should stop you from locking lips with anyone. Do not make a move if you see any sort of red blotchy area around a person’s mouth. But herpes can also show up inside the mouth where it’s not visible to potential kissing partners. How are you supposed to know in these cases? You don’t, especially when you’re drunk. Herpes does not have a cure and can continue showing up for the rest of your life. You can also catch Syphilis. Ask yourself: Is this guy or girl worth the ugly sores of an STI?
2. Inexperienced or untalented
This person could be an awful kisser. They could be one of those people who drowns you as you make out with them and leaves you gasping for air afterward thinking, “Did I just go swimming?” In their mind they might be a great make out, but the reality is most drunk people only really know how to slobber. Their insobriety limits their ability to keep it together, and I know you’ve seen this in Midtown.
3. Sleepover
The night could go very well. It could be the hottest make out experience of your life. In the case of college students, that will probably mean that the lad will want to go home with you. You can’t really blame him for trying. He liked the sample you gave him. However, it is ridiculously annoying having to tell someone that, to their dismay, they are not going home with you. And then they linger, and start to get creepy, and then the make out session is ruined. Next time you see him on campus, you’ll think “oh, that guy who wouldn’t give it a rest,” and he’ll think, “oh the super tease.”
4. Romance
It could be a great romance. You guys could hit it off on the dance floor. He or she could make you feel really comfortable, and at the end of the night you exchange numbers with the confidence that one of you will text the next day. You go on a couple of dates, and boom! You’re in a relationship. Or at least you’ve secured a hook-up buddy. The likelihood of that happening is slim to none, so this shouldn’t be a scenario you picture when you’re considering hooking up with a stranger.
5. Multiples
Some people are so loose they hook up with multiple people a night. Do you want to be one of those people? One of the many that got this person’s spit? We see the situation all the time. One guy seduces a girl, and later he’s with another girl. Not only does this mean that the person is completely careless, it also means that they are probably not that good of a hook-up partner if they can’t keep the same person the whole night. Do you want the sloppy seconds?
6. The Ex
You’re snogging away with a super hot guy or girl, and out of nowhere someone pulls your shoulder violently and shoves you out of the way. Who is it? It’s the enraged ex-lover. This could be the worst of all possibilities, possibly even more humiliating than herpes. You are the victim of a horrifying romantic crime. If you’re a girl, the ex is probably calling you a “stupid bitch” and has most likely poured her drink on you. If you’re a guy, you’re really in for it. Punches will be thrown, your nose might get broken and you could get banned from the establishment. And to think, this was only supposed to be a one-time hook up.
This is not to dispel you from going out and having a good time. Most people are sharply aware of the negatives that come along with hooking up with strangers, and they do it anyway. This is to serve as a reminder that it is an incredibly irresponsible act, and like all acts, it will have consequences. Are you willing to put up with the consequences of stupid, unnecessary actions?
