Editor’s Note: The views expressed in the following column are those of the writer only and do not necessarily represent the views of The Collegian or its editorial board.

Relationships are not for everyone — yet neither are hookups with random strangers. The summertime seems to be a gateway for something fun, experimental and casual with a short-term partner. You might recognize this as the summer fling.

Summer flings are not random in their terminology, meaning there’s a reason there’s no such thing as a winter fling.

It’s proven that people have more sex in the summer, so of course summer flings would follow in this pattern for similar reasons. In fact, science can also explain why summer flings are so hot even if relationships are so not.

One reason is that people are driven by the sun. Sunlight increases serotonin levels, which is the feel-good chemical in our brains. So, if you have a crush this summer and are spending time outside with them, the sun is helping to naturally make your happier around them, creating a more positive and feel-good interaction with said person.

Having a fling with someone who isn’t your type might be the most fun and attracting part about it.

Another reason that flings are so popular in the summer is because of how the summer months breed mental and physical relaxation — allowing us to become more open minded. For many of us, school is no longer a giant stressor on our shoulders, allowing us to focus on other things.

Being more relaxed and sharing fun experiences with another person, paired with your new open state of mind, can easily increase attraction. 

There’s also a little bit of thrill behind it. Your summer fling might end up being with someone who is absolutely nothing like you, and that’s perfect. This could allow you to try something new and different that you normally wouldn’t even consider. Having a fling with someone who isn’t your type might be the most fun and attracting part about it.

Lastly, relationships obviously require a lot of commitment, and some people genuinely don’t have the time for that — or the resources. Summer flings allow room for error and carelessness, unlike relationships. Having the mentality of no strings attached can allow you and your summer fling to have optimal fun and enjoy opportunities without the worries normally attached to a relationship. 

Summer isn’t necessarily meant for a fling, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be part of your summer fun. Maybe it will develop into something more after the summer is over — or maybe it will stay a cherished memory: your magical 2019 summer fling.

Shay Rego can be reached at letters@collegian.com or on Twitter at @shay_rego.