Forget about the debate over whether the guy will lose all respect for you or not. And the good girls don't double standard that suggests that a woman who acts on a shared instant attraction is slutty, while a guy is, well, just a guy. Here's our guide on whether taking home tonight's date is a good move for you.

Do you feel comfortable?

You don't have to like her political beliefs, or his dubious taste in music, to want to wrap him or her in your bedsheets until dawn. You do, however, need at least a little reassurance that he's not some sick-o off the street, who'll rob you blind after you've fallen into blissful post-coital sleep.

How high are your expectations?

First times are always a little bit awkward. It can be even more so when you haven't even had a chance to get to know each other beyond the standard first-date chitchat about jobs, hometowns and hobbies. But first-date sex has higher risks than just strained conversation over breakfast the next day. Are you prepared for him or her not to call for Date #2?

What's motivating you?

Are you just acting on your inescapable sexual chemistry with this date? Or are you using sex - or the promise of sex -- to exercise some control over the relationship? We shouldn't have to tell you that loneliness -- and desperation for a second date -- is not a good reason to get naked.

Are you protected?

So obvious we shouldn't have to tell you - but we are anyway. It doesn't matter how nice, rich, or healthy-looking this sweetie is, remember that you're still with someone you don't know all that well. Jumping into bed together creates a false intimacy between two near-strangers. Until you've been dating awhile and have both been tested, keep things clinically clean.

By Laura Snyder. 
   
Ghanaladies.com   8/28/2007