1. Are you doing it for the right reason?

There's really only one right reason to hook
up with a guy—because you want to. But
there are tons of wrong reasons that
probably won't make you feel great about it
the next day: You feel pressured, you think
it will get him to like you more (it won't),
your friends are doing it, or you want "more
experience." The better you get at ignoring
these outside forces, the more you can listen
to what you want.

2. How far are you comfortable going?
When you and your crush are all over each
other, it can be hard to think straight
period, let alone remember the boundaries
you set beforehand. So go slowly—it makes
for a sexy buildup and gives you time to
check in with yourself. If he kisses you and
you think "amazing" and want to do more,
then you probably won't have regrets. But if
you feel at all uneasy when he starts to go
further—even if you're not sure why—tell
him, "I don't want to do that just yet." Any
good guy will understand.

3. Can you deal if people find out?
You don't let other people's opinions control
your life, but it's worth considering how
you'd feel if your private hookup somehow
went public. Would you be embarrassed?
Upset? Of course you don't want everyone
to know the deets, but if the thought of
anyone finding out about the guy—or what
you did together—puts you in panic mode,
then it's a bad idea. You deserve a hookup
you can feel good about no matter who
knows about it.