That's one of several findings in a new survey of the nation's bedroom habits that says 48 percent of U.S. adults have had at least one one-night stand. In keeping with the stereotype of the sexually predatory male, almost 70 percent of the men say they've had a one-nighter, double the rate of women. The average number for men was seven, compared with one for women. With others, it may be due to anger or frustration at another, i.e. using sex as a weapon.
Some motives produce the desired effect, others cause even more frustration.
A University of Chicago study found that the median number of sexual partners for the average American over the course of a lifetime is six for men and two for women. Kate Wachs, a Chicago psychologist who runs The Relationship Center and is the author of Dr. Kate's Love Secrets , says women tend to shun one-night stands for a variety of reasons. Women don't enjoy one night with anybody. There's nothing inherently wrong with the occasional fling, Wachs says. But they can be risky, leading to sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.