Turn That Spring Fling Into the Real Thing

So you're on Spring Break and just looking to have fun; with parties raging, minimal responsibility, and Spring Fever kicking in, almost everyone's minds are turned towards having fun and not worrying about the responsibilities that await them at week's end.

That said, many may also have the same attitude towards any romantic interests they may meet while on vacation, out partying, and enjoying this week-long fiesta away from work and/or school.  If a Spring Fling isn't really your thing, however, and you've met (or are hoping to meet) a special someone while enjoying your break, here are some tips to maximize the potential that this "fling" can turn into the real thing.

1) Hold off on sex.  This applies to both girls and guys (I know what you're thinking-bummer!).  No matter how much you may be digging this person at the moment, sex changes everything, so if you're looking to extend this Spring romance beyond the next few days, hold off on going all the way.

2) Make your time together memorable.  Instead of just getting slammed every night at the local club/pub/bar, if you're on vacation and meet a hottie, go sight-seeing together, or snorkeling, or skydiving; do things you know will leave an impact on their memory.  Do things beyond just having mad makeout sessions every night (however tempting that may be!).  Do things you know you (and probably they) would not be doing back at home.  Make them think back fondly on your time together once you two are back home.

3) Talk about things beyond just plans for the next day/night. While you're on vacation and having fun, it's hard not to focus on just the here and now (which in many cases, you should be).  However, if you're with someone great and want to learn more about them, steer the conversation sometimes towards topics that allow you to connect on a "deeper" level, such as where they grew up, family background, goals, etc.  This is because it helps to frame the moment (and your current connection) in less of a "just a fling" light and in more of a "potential relationship" light.

4) See where their head's at. You can try all the tips in the world, but if you don't do this crucial step, it'll all be for naught, and that is to talk to the person you've met while on break/vacation to see where their head is at towards week's end (regarding your "situation").  Yes, the dreaded, "This was fun, but will it actually lead anywhere?" talk.  It's good to get out on the table what each party is expecting, and oftentimes, some people will even tell you upfront if they're just looking to have fun, or not. 

Either way, if you're not wanting to be a buzzkill, bring up this discussion towards the end of your vacation/stay/break by casually mentioning that you enjoyed your time together and that you'd like to keep in touch to see where this could lead. 

5) Make plans to keep in touch. After they've established that they'd like to see you/keep in touch/see where things can lead, exchange information and let them know you'll be in touch soon.  Then, follow through with it!  If your new guy or girl lives far away and this may turn out to be a potential long-distance relationship, check out my posts (Part I and Part II) on long-distance relationships for tips on how to make it work ;)