Photo: (MTV)
In tonight's episode of "Real World Portland" Marlon finally "gets it in," as the roommates put it. Yet, as the roommies celebrate his first hookup of the summer, Marlon begins to regret his actions, feeling as if he's let both himself and his religious father down.
Post-hookup regret is common amongst all people, religious or not. It's that Sunday morning stomachache that's more than just a nasty hangover. If you're feeling guilty over a drunken make out, a naughty sleepover, or any intimate moment you weren't physically or emotionally ready for, you're not alone! Here are a few common reasons and solutions for post-hookup regret.
+ You Were Drunk
The drinks were strong, the music was loud, and you got caught up in the moment. If your non-prescriptive hipster glasses too often turn into beer goggles, it may be time to check yo' self. Set your standards and your limits before you start drinking so that you don't do anything -- or anyone -- you'll regret later on. If you don't know exactly what your limits are, use a drink calculator to figure out just how many margaritas you can handle.
+ You Felt Pressured
If your post-hookup regret stems from sex you felt pressured to have, remember that you don't ever have to have sex with anybody. As a matter of fact, only half of all high-school students have had sex, and two out of three who have wish they'd waited. Whether it's your first time ever or your first time with someone new, you should never feel pressured to move faster than you're comfortable with. There's nothing wrong with standing up for yourself, and anyone who truly cares about you will like you more for it.
+ You Just Did
Post-hookup regret sometimes doesn't set in until days, or weeks, or even months after a hookup. Maybe, like Marlon, a conversation with a friend changed the way you felt about things. Or maybe you felt great until your hookup didn't text you back. Either way, life can go on as planned -- that is, unless something came along with the regret... 1 in 2 sexually active young people will get an STD before 25. Get Yourself Tested regularly, and always use a condom whether or not your know your partner.
Regret, STDs and pregnancy are all preventable -- know how much booze you can handle, know what you want, and know your status so you can be free of all three. "Know what you can handle and what you can't handle," Marlon told us about what advice he has for others. "If you can't handle it, don't do it. And if you don't have the self-control to avoid temptation, don't put yourself in places where you'll find it."
