 "Photo: Liquid Library")
I'm more than certain that a majority of us have woken up at least once in our 20-something lives with a pounding headache along with the awkward realization that the person lying next to you is, in fact, your ex. Setting aside the drunken debacle, maybe you were sitting at home one night and Jack's spicy chicken bites along with the "CSI: Las Vegas" marathon just wasn't cutting it for you. Whether it be a drunken moment of desire or your Friday night date with TiVo, we are still left with the million-dollar question: Why do we have sex with our exes? In this world of dating fiascos, we all know there are many roads to travel and many different doors to open and close. Of course there are times when we all wish that someone had been there to remind us of our stupidity as we so casually opened the door which blatantly stated "Do Not Enter!" So what drives us toward this temptation island? Could it be that we find comfort in knowing there will be no surprises with this particular person? Could it be a hopeful thought that maybe the relationship will be rekindled? Or was it the simple fact that the sex was so intense that even the talent of your "handy dandy Rabbit" could not begin to compare? "I think people go back to their exes because they can find an undeniable sense of security there," said communication sophomore Bree Baisden. Because the individual was once a huge part of your life, it's easy to agree with the plausibility of considering an ex as a safety net. "I wouldn't suggest getting back with an ex, but at the same time it's hard to escape the fact that even for a brief moment, something just feels so right," criminal justice sophomore Sammy Pitluk said. After all, there are no expectations or awkwardness. Maybe you just can't seem to forget the way he made your toes curl and your eyes roll into the back of your head, or maybe she's the one girl you can't seem to shake. Yet, even if you've convinced yourself that you can handle a fleeting encounter of passion, don't be so quick to let your hormones fool you. In her novel, "Sex with Your Ex," author Yvonne K. Fulbright presents a long list of rock-solid reasons to not have sex with an ex. According to Fulbright, having sex with your ex-whatever is "playing with fire on too many levels for it ever to be the truly right thing to do." In reality, if you're harboring even the slightest feelings for your ex, you're better off strapping 20 pounds of meat to your body and walking blindfolded into a lion's den. Simply put: There are obvious reasons for why you are no longer together. Physical intimacy will only bring back feelings you think you have buried. But then we are left to wonder: Are we always damned if we do? Is it always a lose-lose situation? According to Fulbright, there are given circumstances that give a thumbs-up to the bedroom tango. For instance, if your breakup was mutually desired or you both have a solid understanding that there are no expectations beyond sexual gratification, then complications are quite unlikely. "My ex-boyfriend called me last week and casually questioned if I was available - for sex," said business sophomore Michelle Faber. "Who knew the whole sex thing was just that uncomplicated these days?" So what are we left with? Do we wander down the road with the "Trespassers Will Be Shot!" sign just to see what will really happen? Or do we run, not walk, in the opposite direction? The most important thing is to ask yourself why you are doing it. If you can say that it was only a one-time thing, chances are you won't end up with any permanent brain damage. The moment you start grasping for answers as to why you're continuously immersed in a sea of sheets, tread lightly, my friends - this love bit can be a rather slippery slope. Whatever your decision may be, my advice is that ex-sex should always be proceeded with caution.
-Ryan Eisenacher is a journalism sophomore.
-This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec.
Be the first to comment on this article!