Many of us fantasize about no-strings sex—but how many of us could really handle it? Sex researcher Zhana Vrangalova reveals how to tell whether you’re ready for one-night stands, friends with benefits, and other forms of casual sex . . . and how to make the most of it when you are.

Healthy sexual intimacy is traditionally portrayed as possible only in the context of emotionally committed, long-term relationships, but that view conflicts with the reality of many people’s sexual experiences. That disconnect can put a negative spin on casual encounters, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Plenty of men and women enjoy hookups—from one-night stands with strangers to year-long friends-with-benefits—without guilt and without regrets. How do they do it . . . and can it work for you?

Dr. Zhana Vrangalova has collected hundreds of real-life casual sex stories, from disastrous hookups to fantastic, life-changing booty call sessions and everything in between. Combining insights drawn from those stories with the growing social science research on the connections between our sex lives and our emotional well-being, she’s identified the key psychological factors that determine whether or not we’re likely to enjoy casual sex, as well as easy steps we can take to make it a more positive experience. Anybody can tell you how to have an active sex life without settling down—Dr. Zhana will help you make sure you’re getting the most pleasure you can.

What casual sex encounter do you want to explore?
—One-night stand
—F*ck-buddies
—Sex with an Ex
—First of More
—Friends-with-Benefits
—Short Fling
—Group Sex
—Other Sexcapades