The good & bad of a summer fling
Summer is the time for fun and carefree living. Going to the beach, outdoor activities and making new friends. Summer is notoriously known for ‘summer flings‘. Summer flings are notoriously short, heated and have a deep imprint in our memories. Know the good & bad of a summer fling.
A summer fling is a brief romance where both parties understand that their time together is going to last during summer only. It may last the entire summer or part of the summer. Or it could be only days, it all depends. A lot of people travel during summer-time and meet someone while travelling.
Why do flings notoriously happen in summer? It might be related to the fact that people feel more relaxed and happy, the weather is warm and the whole environment around you is vibrant, relaxed and you feel alive. That’s why summer romance is more likely to become a summer fling and not a relationship. Although you feel physically attracted there’s the distance that makes it impossible for a relationship to happen. Another reason is that you are wearing ‘summer goggles’ which impermeant almost everything you do during summer. When reality sets in, things are not as ideal as they might have seemed.
Let’s lay out the good & bad of a summer fling.
# Good 1: Summer flings are super romantic
It’s true. Summer is when you feel free, relaxed and non-conformist. In general, you have no real commitments – no university or work commitments. Spending your time however you like. Your dates can start in the morning and flow right into the evening. Starting with a dip in the beach, picnic at the park and watching the sunset on a beach. No work or life schedules sucking away the simple pleasures of being with someone you like.
Bad 1#: Summer flings can instantly suck too
Your summer date can suck real quick. It might have the energy and the explosive passion of a great fling and then have a 360-degree turn. Where your fling goes from showering with attention to going complete ‘radio silence’ and ignoring you. Not nice, nobody deserves to be treated like that – have some decency and give them closure. Don’t turn a happy memory into a sad memory people. Just say you’re not interested and it’s finished because it’s not like there was a whole lot of emotional investment.
# Good 2: Summer flings make you feel alive
There’s nothing like a summer fling to make you live in the present and feel alive every minute of the day. With the knowledge that this is a short-lived romance, summer flings make you focus on the moment. Living in the moment is the best part of a summer fling.
# Bad 2: Might not spend time with friends and family
This might happen but not always. Summer flings can absorb your every energy potentially distracting you from family and friends. The nature of summer fling can get you wrapped in the fling and neglect your family and friends. Remember that family and friends are always there for you so make a mental note to spend time with them too.
# Good 3: Summer flings create lifelong memories
Summer flings are generally a positive experience and because of its brevity and the strong connection you had with the person, they remain with us. How could you forget a time when you were having fun and having a blast with someone you connected with strongly.
# Bad 3: Some summer flings make bad memories
Yes, summer flings are light and fun connections and some people like to have multiple connections at the same time. There’s always a chance that the other person is seeing someone else. Disappointment might ensue and instead, you’ll feel hard done for. Try to be on the same page and have the conversation early on if you want an ‘exclusive’ summer fling.
# Good 4: Summer flings make us feel awesome
Summer flings are great at any age and can happen to anyone regardless of age. Summer flings make us feel awesome because we take chances and live freely. They bring renewed energy. You feel a spring in your step that is ageless.
# Bad 4: They are fleeting moments
Summer flings are like living in a dream, where you know that once reality steps in it’s all over. The hardest part of a fling is saying goodbye. Although you both knew that this wonderful fling was going to end quickly. All summer flings have a bittersweet finish. Despite it, summer flings are worth it for how they make you feel and all the renewed hope in love.
Here’s a short video on how to manage your summer fling:
If you’re faced with the decision of whether you want to dive in and have your ‘summer fling’. Dive in, although you know you might have to deal with some drama, it’s all worth it. Life is meant to be lived and as such there’ll be good experiences and bad experiences, but all teach us something about ourselves and others.
