With exams and graduation upon us, it’s time to reflect on the joys of summer: beachin’, boozin’ and the possibility of a summer fling.
There are obvious pros and cons when venturing out into the wild world of May through August romance.
However, if executed properly, a fling can be one of the best ways to spend the hot, humid nights.
The most important thing to remember when searching out a person to enjoy all of this free time with is that a relationship begun drunk in a bar usually ends drunk in a bar.
Socially lubricated lovin’ has its time and its place—that’s what a third date is for! It is totally acceptable to have fun dancing with someone at Capt Fun’s, Seville or Bamboo Willie’s. But, if you are drunk enough to pop, lock and drop it during a Journey cover band, it might be safe to assume you shouldn’t go home with anyone.
Now, rules are meant to be bent sometimes. We live in Pensacola after all. Where else can you meet people besides bars, the beach or school? I met my summer ’08 fling at a bar. However, it was one of the “safe bars.” Totally an oxymoron, I know. Whatever. My four favorite, only sort of sketchy bars — The Trail, The Azalea, The Break and Hopjacks — are totally different from one another.
The one glaring similarity is that it is OK to talk to the other barflies at each spot. Whether the clientele is predominately poor college students, slick hipsters, sun-burnt beach rats or young professionals, these are all places you can go and let the real you shine.
No need to get all dressed up. Flip flops are totally cool.
Bring your friends and enjoy the company of the other patrons. Who knows who you’ll meet!
Fellas, if your goal is to find a nice young lady to fulfill your needs this summer — you probably won’t find her at the Sandshaker.
But if you’ve been dying to get a taste of something over on the other side of the hill, head on over to the friendliest cougar lair in the Panhandle!
The ‘Shaker is essentially a big playground for middle-aged hotties cruising for a sweet young man to take care of.
So, if you want your summer lover to cook your dinner, buy your drinks, do your laundry and spank you a time or two — the Sandshaker may be the place for you.
Of course, once you find your fling, it is so important to use proper protection. Condoms are ubiquitous on campus. Stock up before classes are over.
The library bathrooms have plenty. Also, if the fun rainbow colors on the free university condoms aren’t your thing, go to a gas station and find some flavored ones. Keep it seasonal — try pina colada or strawberry!
And, ladies, when protection plan A fails, don’t forget you’ve got Plan B! It costs $41.99 at Walgreens, you don’t need a prescription if you’re over 18 and it provides complete peace of mind after an encounter gone awry.
It is also perfectly acceptable to ask your fella to pony up to pay for half — it takes two to goof up in this situation. By all means, have fun! Just remember to keep it safe and healthy.
Generally, by the time August rolls around, most summer romances have run their course. The honeymoon is over, the days are getting shorter and the responsibilities of academic life become the priority.
However, this is not always the case. My summer ’08 and I have maintained some semblance of consistency since July.
Our situation is the exception and not the rule. But, it’s also a strange relationship characterized by its lack of a legit commitment to anything — he’s not mine and I’m definitely not his.
If you and your fling go this route, good luck. It’s not for those with weak constitutions. This situation requires work and communication, like any other relationship, especially when the toils of the real world set in.
In short, May-August companions are definitely a blast, just make sure you know what you’re doing come fall.
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