“Tell me more, tell me more, like did he have a car?” –Grease. Sometimes the best romances are the ones that only last until the first chilly autumn breeze or until that first college party. The summer fling has long been heralded as a rite of passage for those transitioning from childhood to independence, one last reckless decision before the responsibilities of the world overtake our days. So go for it. Whether you think of the Summer Fling as holding hands on the beach or toe-curling nights in the back of a Ford Mustang, (due to the hot mix tape of course), it is truly on of the most timeless stories told.
The Urban Dictionary definition of a Summer Fling is a simple relationship free of hassle and drama. My definition for you is an agreement between two people attracted to each other but due to lack of inclination or other circumstances are not interested in a long term commitment and just want to spend time together casually. Some would argue that this type of short term relationship is unfulfilling or cheap. Quite the opposite is true. Your motivation for the fling is entirely your own. And that in itself is fulfilling. It does not need to fit anyone’s definition except for your own. This time that you spend with your Summer Fling is entirely what the two of you want it to be. Don’t want to go on dates? Don’t. Don’t want to introduce him to your friends? Keep him to yourself. This is both your last taste of childhood carefree summer and the brilliant independence of being an adult. Follow your own story. His kind of experience is really only open to you for a short time and in that certain place. But please remember to be honest about your expectations. You want these to be good and happy memories. Talk to your fling and sort out what exactly is going on. Figure out what is going to happen after summer is over. Will you sty friends? Will you stay together? Will he become a memory for you? Just remember that summer does not last forever.
Eventually, August will run out of days and you will go to school. But the summer fling gives you a reason to smile as you pack away your favorite sun dress and that bikini he said matched your eyes. You are about to go into a world full of new adventures and friends and mistakes. Keep the good times you had this summer with you. They will be nice to look back on when you have a ten page paper due or when your roommate forgets to clean her side of the room. The best thing to learn from the Summer Fling is that not everything is meant to last forever. That some people are in your life just for fun. So go out, have a good time, do something wild or crazy. Make summer your own.
