Sex on the first date is no longer a dating faux pas

New research suggests that sleeping with a man on the first date is no dating disaster after all.

It may be time to forget traditional dating rules, as new research shows that sleeping with a man on the first date may no longer be a disastrous mistake.

Bethany Marshall, author of Deal breakers: When to Work on a Relationship and When to Walk Away, says that women who follow regimented dating rules, such as, 'don’t rush into sex, wait at least three dates’, may be getting it wrong.

'Playing by specific rules can make you less likely to pay attention to your own inner voice and experience,’ she explains.

It seems that casual sex can lead to something more meaningful and lasting, as demonstrated by a recent study at the University of Lowa.

Anthony Paik, assistant professor of sociology, says: 'People now view hooking up as a predictable, normal part of life and don’t let it contaminate or poison the beginning of a relationship.'

The study shows that a 'significant percentage of current relationships began with nonromantic sex'.

Meanwhile, living with a man before marriage does not affect your chances of having a successful and happy union, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

It is the reason for moving in, rather than the act itself, which is key.

Bill Cloke, author of Happy Together: Creating A Lifetime of Connection, Commitment, and Intimacy, says couples should worry if they view moving in together as 'a test run to see if the relationship is a good fit, with the option to bail if it isn’t.'

As long as couples are committed and on the same page about their future, cohabiting is no bad thing, he adds.

What do you think? Should we sleep with men on the first date? Is living together before marriage a mistake? Let us know your views by posting a comment below.

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