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New Year's dating resolutions

BY JULIA ALLISON | SPECIAL TO amNEWYORK

January 2, 2006

I'm a New Years Resolutions kind of girl. I love making them and the bigger, the better. From dieting ("no food. Ever.") and exercise ("twice a day for three hours each!") to drinking ("limit alcohol intake to one color at a time") and debt ("never buy anything again").

For dating, I go all out. In 2004, I resolved to have no sex. (It was a long year.) In 2005, I resolved to get laid fast.

All New Yorkers could use a dating resolution or eight. (Forget celibacy.) In 2006, make it your goal to rethink the way you date, to completely change your dating modus operandi you know, the same things you've been doing since your mom handed you a copy of The Rules in 1995 or the same type of girl you've been chasing since you had your first wet dream.

This year, mix it up a little. Date outside your comfort zone. For those seeking The One, go out with people who aren't "marriage material." Pierced? Divorced? Investment banker? You'd be surprised at how enjoyable unsuitable, can't-bring-them-home-to-mom types are (well, maybe not the i-bankers).

Remember that the best dating war stories come from the worst dates and no one is funnier at a cocktail party than the girl recounting her date-from-hell ("and then he asked if his dog could watch!")

This year, dump your significant other. You know, the one who you've been breaking up / making up with since freshman year in high school. It's getting old. You're getting old. And let's be honest, relationships like this rarely change. Make your friends/parents/therapist happy and move on already.

Or maybe you've been trudging along in a mediocre exclusive relationship because it's comfortable and he pays for dinners and she's pretty good in bed and it's a pain in the rear to find a new apartment anyway. You're not doing anyone any favors, except maybe your landlord (he'll be okay). Just rip off the band-aid and end it.

For those who have a strict policy of three months before sex with a new guy go wild! Sleep with him on the first date. For those who stock up on Trojans before they learn their date's last name, keep your pants on.

Throw away your preconceived notions date a drugdealer, a different race, a Republican. Try something totally crazy don't get smashed on the first date (something I should really attempt one of these days). Ask out that guy at the gym while you're sweaty and gross.

Kiss an older woman, sleep with a younger man, have a fling with your best friend's brother. Stop telling yourself you're too young, you're too old, maybe it's just not the right time, maybe you're just not a "relationship" person, maybe you'll just always be a playa. You won't. I assure you.

And for godsakes, let this be the year you try a threesome.