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How to...Booty Call with Aplomb (in 25 Steps)

Most people don't talk about booty calls. That's part of their appeal: "We don't have to endlessly com-mu-ni-cate because we're not in a serious relationship." People rely on a tacit understanding when it comes to casual sex with their friends and neighbors, and especially their exes. But it's silly to assume that everyone "understands" the exact same set of personal guidelines. The implicit, unlegislated booty call is a complicated procedure, due to varying agendas, the likelihood of miscommunication, and the chance of emotional intimacy. The smart people know that without rules, there are expectations, and those, by definition, make things messy. Even if you don't think you have any expectations, that in itself is an expectation: That you not expect anything of me, that you not sleep over, that you not get mad if I don't call you back. So let's once and for all manage those expectations with The 25 Rules of the Modern Booty Caller:

1. Separate sex from love.

2. You don't need to have anything in common. The ability and/or desire to converse with each other is only necessary if one party requires that as foreplay.

3. Both parties must be either single or in open relationships.

4. Exes you are currently friends with make ideal booty call partners. However, if one party broke the other's heart, pursuing a booty-call arrangement is a no-no (at least for 24 months).

5. Unless otherwise agreed upon, after midnight on a school night is too late to call. On weekends, all calls should be made at least five minutes before closing time.

6. If you don't want an overnight guest, then make the booty call before sundown. After the sun sets, you've got to resign yourself to the possibility of entertaining all night long--unless you have express rules to the contrary, it is the only polite thing to do.

7. It's best to store your booty call's number in your phone and NOT memorize it, should you someday wish to delete the number (and the person) from your sex life.

8. Booty calls are best made via caller-ID-friendly devices. That way, the receiver can decide whether or not to take the call. If the receiver is not prepared to say yes, he or she should not pick up lest the answer offend or embarrass the caller (e.g. "I'd rather watch Survivor than fuck you tonight").

9. Whenever possible, opt for text messaging a booty call request -- it's the most civilized (i.e safest, i.e. cowardly) form of booty call communication.

10. Though it's understood that most booty calls are made after hours, the world would do well to remember that calls may also be made sober and in the light of day.

11. Ideally, booty callers should alternate who calls whom so that mutual interest is constantly re-established. If you have been the initiator more than three times without reciprocation, it is safe to assume they'd almost rather watch Survivor than have sex with you. And if you'd rather watch reality TV, then it's okay to simply stop calling (or stop picking up)--especially if it was not a monogamous set-up.

12. You probably shouldn't draw on one booty source more than once a week. Two weeks is ideal. An more often and you risk drifting into a common-law relationship.

13. It's okay to be tipsy, but if you are stumbling drunk and unable to perform the basic duties of the booty call, don't make the call in the first place. It's is the height of rudeness to call if there is ANY chance you may vomit on or near your booty call.

14. Both parties should be armed with condoms and dental dams at all times.

15. Don't leave personal items behind.

16. Faking is a no-no (that is reserved for the most dysfunctional relationships and miserable one-night stands). Each party deserves at least one real one.

17. If you're not having fun, then by definition, it isn't a proper booty call.

18. Never call a fuck buddy just to say hi.

19. If your booty call is in the same social circle, and your are out together in a group, then either go home together or go home alone.

20. Just because the sex is casual doesn't make it an appropriate topic for casual conversation. Be discreet.

21. Assume that you are not the only booty call in your b.c. partner's rotation. If this is not cool with you, then you must communicate your desire for casual yet monogamous sex and then negotiate from there.

22. Don't assume that duration implies relationship progression.

23. You should always be honest about where this is going, other booty call partners you may have, sexual health history, etc., but keep unsolicited details about your other partners and sexual experiences to yourself.

24. The above rules may be amended at any time if both parties are in explicit agreement.

25. No matter how casual the set-up, remember that your booty buddy is a human being, and not a fucking machine. If you can't play well with others, get yourself a sex toy. This final rule may not be amended and trumps all others at all times.



More on booty call rules can be found in our book, "Sex Etiquette for Ladies and Gentlemen."



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