What's wrong with casual sex?

Recently a well-known dating commentator came out and declared war on casual sex.

"No" she said, wagging her finger.

"You will not have casual sex."

Dozens of single girls joined the crusade.

"I want to see how it will change the game" one said on a national television program.

I imagine it will change it to a sex free game.

Months and possibly even years of no sex will stretch ahead of you much like abstinence advocate and ex footballer Jason Stevens who stopped having sex until he met "the one".

Ten years on, he's still waiting and no doubt feeling rather toey. (Or is he? I'm told it's all a bit of a sham.)

Getting back to the casual sex ban.

The ban applies to ex partners, random hook ups and booty calls.

Ignore those late night texts ladies and gentlemen.

Avoid the advances of your ex.

How did casual sex get such a bad name? Provided you are properly protected and the act is consensual, why not get it on?

Just like all of the other species in the animal kingdom, we have needs.

Sometimes these needs are of a sexual nature.

Why not satisfy your urges with a little no-strings-attached loving?

Let me set the scene for you.

It's Friday night and you're out on the town.

You're catching up with friends and after a couple of drinks, you feel suitably relaxed.

You look across the bar and spot a handsome specimen.

You buy a drink and strike up a conversation. On closer inspection, your target is still hot stuff but once they reveal they work in IT, they have a pet ferret or a passion for Delta Goodrem, you realise they're just not relationship material.

Instead of walking away and letting the physical attraction go to waste, why not enjoy their company without the expectation of it leading to something more?

And this is just one likely scenario when casual sex would be the best option for all involved.

It seems like such a simple idea but of course there are several traps to avoid.

1. Don't forget your plan

Firstly, remember your casual sex plan and stick to it.

Snuggling in bed the next morning, avoid the temptation to overlook the incompatibilities and give it a shot.

Repeat a mantra of his or her flaws in your mind: he lives with his mother, he works in the mailroom and he's on the hunt for a housewife.

He's not relationship material.

She's financially dependent, wants to start a family and is a massive Oprah fan.

She's not what you're looking for long term.

2. Get in, get off and get out.

Don't string it out by going for breakfast and definitely don't spend the day hanging out.

These activities are reserved for people you want to see again and remember your plan. Repeat that mantra.

If you ignore the little voice that says "no" and dive into a relationship despite these issues, I guarantee you'll find yourself arguing about these very things in three months time.

It's much easier to walk away before Mr or Mrs Wrong has left their toothbrush at your house.

If neither of you has the other's number, there's no danger of falling into a relationship with Mr or Mrs Wrong.

Do not succumb to the temptation of online stalking and if you have mutual friends don't call and ask for your hook up's number.

4. The danger of sex with the ex

Usually when two people break up they do it for a reason.

Something wasn't working but often there are parts of the relationship that are still fully functional.

The sex doesn't turn bad just because he cheated or because she was nagging you to get married.

The danger here is that one party may still hold out hope the relationship can be resurrected.

If that person is you and you have trouble separating the sex from the rest of the relationship, I advise you keep your pants on.

If it's the other party still clinging, you need to be clear this is "just sex".

This should be done before you jump into bed and reiterated before you make a mad dash for the door.

So get out there folks and enjoy yourself.

Let me know how you get on (preferably without the X rated details)at twys@y7mail.com.