Back to class, students. This is Lesson #2 in the series, The Life of the UnDater. Yesterday we discussed the best lifestyle rules to ensure you enjoy your time as a single guy or gal out in a very monogamous world. Today, though, is more serious. We need to talk about the 3 Big DON’Ts of being single – things to avoid to ensure your own well-being (and the well-being of those around you). The whole point of being single is to have fun, so follow these three tips to ensure your adventures in UnDating don’t take a nasty turn for the worse.

1. DON’T BE STUPID.

This tip is the number one, absolutely MOST IMPORTANT RULE of enjoying the single life. Yes, going out, meeting new people, and hooking up is a blast. But you owe it yourself and others to NOT BE DUMB ABOUT IT.

a) Keep your wits about you: if you’re getting tipsy and meet a potential hook up, don’t let the alcohol cloud your judgment. The last thing you want to experience in the morning is regret (or a trip to the clinic).
b) Practice safe sex, every time: it doesn’t matter if someone says they “don’t like how condoms feel,” or promise that they’re “on birth control.” Unwanted pregnancies aren’t the only crappy thing that can result from unprotected sex. I’ll go ahead and let you Google genital warts.
c) Get tested: even when practicing safe sex, it’s important to get tested for STDs if you decide to choose a casual dating lifestyle. For your own peace of mind, and for the safety of others.

2. Don’t lead people on.

If you’re looking for a casual hook up, be sure to get your expectations on the table before bringing someone home. The last thing you want is to wake up the next morning and have them say, “so were you serious about meeting my parents?” Of course, you shouldn’t say “hey, I just wanna f***,” as your pick up line, but a simple, “I’m not really looking for anything serious right now” should get the point across.

3. Don’t be afraid of change

This might go against the whole lesson, but it’s equally as important to know if and when the single life isn’t appealing anymore. If you’re just going out to get laid and aren’t even having fun with your friends, it might be time to take a few steps back and make sure you’re staying single for the right reasons. Having sex with random people you’re not even attracted to, feeling regret the next morning, and realizing you’re getting bored with your lifestyle are all signs that maybe it’s time to hang up your hook-up hat. There is nothing wrong with laying low and taking time to concentrate on yourself… or even (gasp) settle down!