Ah, Memorial Day weekend is here! The official start of summer by most measures. I have even taken an extra day off of work to celebrate properly with a four day weekend. And in Chicago, this weekend marks the official start of party season. Parties out on boats on Lake Michigan, parties at neighborhood festivals and parties at rooftop bars. Because the winters here can be so brutal, people love to let loose in the summer and as a recently divorced woman in my 40’s, I am planning to partake in the season of celebration perhaps more than ever.
I am lucky to have a fantastic network of girlfriends, most of whom are single as well. Seems everyone has gotten divorced or is in the process. It’s really incredible how we all find ourselves, in our 40’s and 50’s, and single. This also means plenty of opportunities for going out and celebrating together. All begins this weekend and I couldn’t be more excited. The champagne will be flowing!
There is something about being single again that is extra exciting this summer… Last summer I was just processing my life and the fact that it had all changed when my ex-husband walked out the front door and my divorce was final. This summer, all has been processed and I am even more ready for FUN. This summer even more freedom will reign. I will do what I want to do, WHO I want to do, when I want to do it/them! Yes, I think summer is an excellent time to have a few flings for sure. Yes, I am talking about sex. There is not better time or season to give yourself permission to throw caution to the wind and party like a rock star AND have as many orgasms as possible.
And seems I am not alone with such lustful thoughts! People generally feel sexier when it’s warm out. It’s like a reawakening of our bodies after a long cold winter (especially in the Midwest!). According to a survey from Wet Products (via self.com), two-thirds of respondents said they become more interested in sex when the weather gets warmer and almost three-quarters said they feel sexier during warmer seasons. We shed layers of clothes and that increases blood flow to our brains and our genitals. I always feel like it’s mating season when spring and summer come around.
I remember when I was younger, having a summer fling was the absolute best. It felt easier to have a noncommittal relationship during what felt like a fixed period of time. It felt easier to give in to the uninhibited passion of a lover – knowing it wouldn’t last. A summer band camp romance. That’s the kind of feeling I seek again. And after a divorce, we all need to give ourselves permission to experience this type of relationship. It’s really important and healthy and freeing.
So go forth and have fun this summer. Give yourself permission to have a fling – or several! Live your life.
And if you need a dating guide as a [slightly older] girl, here’s my new book. Just for you! http://amzn.to/1TX69uS
What do you think?