By:   Emily Moss

You're on a first date. Let's take for granted that you had a good time. Let's assume the chemistry was palpable, the conversation never wavered, and the appetizers were salty and delicious. 

It's decision time. 

Do you politely say your goodbyes, sigh contentedly and text your best friend to rehash the date? Or, do you ride the wave of good vibes all the way to the bedroom and get your freak on?

First date sex is a big no-no for some people, but to others it just might be the best way to end a delightful night. To each her own, right?

There's no set of universal dating rules that will consistently land you in happily-ever-after. If you stumble on anyone who claims to have all the answers, roll your eyes and run the other way. 

Sex on the first date is one of the subjects that relationship quacks always seem to have a rule for, but poll your friends and neighbors, and you’ll find real people all over the map. Some couples wish they’d waited longer to get intimate; some couples wish they hadn’t wasted a minute; and some relationships started in the sack before a real connection was ever forged. 

There’s no one way to get to know someone, and only you can gauge how quickly you want to get physical. 

All that being said, as you make your first-date decision, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Safety
Your safety is the number one most important thing. It should go without saying that if your gut is telling you there’s something skeevy, sketchy, creepy or weird about your date, it’s time to split. Even if you’ve only got the good kind of butterflies, it’s still worthwhile to text a friend or roommate if you unexpectedly go home with someone new.