One-night stands: The Great Escape

If you're reading this you may be one of the two in three women who admit that their fantasy of a one night stand doesn't match the reality. But when there is dimmed lighting, funky music, and possibly one cocktail too many, it becomes all too easy for our moral (and visual standards) to be seriously compromised.

So, if you find yourself waking up with a surprise companion, follow our Great Escapes guide. As every smart lady knows: Just because the sex is casual, there is no reason one's etiquette should be!

And of course, be contraception savvy! If you've had a contraceptive mishap or unprotected sexual intercourse it's time to wake up and smell the espresso. For further information on all forms of contraception visit www.contraception.co.uk.

Great Escape 1: How to say goodbye - at his place

After getting naked with him last night, you've woken up to the smell of a fry up. He's clearly still working his charm. But with one eye half open so you can pretend to be asleep if he comes back into the room - you're planning your escape. I know! The morning after can be utterly cringe-worthy! Which is clearly why well over half of women want to make a speedy exit after a one night stand.

While you may now realise he looked a lot better in dim lighting, doing a runner simply isn't an option, ladies! If you're plucky enough to have sex with someone you don't know very well, it means you're big enough to be upfront with him.

Treat him how you would like to be treated. Always be kind. And no, being kind doesn't mean giving him a fake number. You have to combine kindness with directness. Many men don't pick up on subtleties. If you're not interested, tell him what a great time you had, but this is where things end for you. Really. He'll appreciate you not playing games.

Great Escape 2: The brunch 'date'

If you think the man in bed could be someone you might like to date, ideally you should still leave his place after the fling has been flung.

It will give you a greater chance of starting the dating process with some good old fashioned courting. If you're in your 30s this kind of deferred pleasure will make sense to you. But if you're in your 20s and reading this, your romantic love bubble probably hasn't burst yet. And you're likely to want to ignore me.

So if you insist on saying yes to brunch, the first rule is to check your make-up isn't halfway down your face. Secondly, over your cappuccino, keep the conversation casual.

This isn't the time to be talking about your hopes and dreams. Save that for the first real date. You know. The one where a phone call precedes it. And yes. Call me old fashioned. A phone call is the only way you should be saying yes to a date!