Wild or chaste in 2007?

By Julia Allison | Special to amNewYork

January 8, 2007

Last year at this time, I recommended that my readers overhaul their "dating modus operandi" -- put an end to the same-old, same-old romantic blahs and try something completely unprecedented.

For some reason, a disproportionate percentage of my male readers took that to mean they should attempt a 2006 menage a trois. Sigh.

I suppose I have only myself to blame -- the column did end with a glib call to engage in that particular sexual act. To be honest, although I was somewhat facetious at the time, it's not such a bad recommendation. Taking risks in your dating life -- whether they be the aforementioned threesomes, ending a stale (but comfortable) relationship or allowing yourself to risk hurt and fall in love -- is almost unequivocally rewarding.

Of course, it's so much easier to tell others what resolutions to make, instead of just making them yourself. To this end, I asked my readers what their resolutions for 2007 were:

"In years past, I made a resolution that I would commit myself to finding my better half, with absolute failure," writes Gary Pike, 36, in an e-mail.

"So, this year, I say screw finding the perfect woman and just enjoy dating with no expectations for a long-term relationship. If I find 'Mrs. Right' in the process, so be it, but that will never be a goal for me in the future."

On the opposite end of that spectrum is Sherri Zill, 31. "I think this year I am going to try and stop being a bitter b*tch who hates men and actually try a date or two AND be nice," she says. "Wish me luck because it's going to be hard for me to change my ways on this one!"

Then there's Hanna S., 25, who will be attempting a "Paris Hilton" -- in other words, no sex for a year, just kissing and/or making out.

"Guys respect you more if you're difficult, and find the 'hunt' all the more interesting," she says. "Obviously you can't continue like that forever, but a year is probably long enough to 'cleanse' your soul and short enough for you not to go utterly insane in the process."

But Chris C., 29, won't be going that route. "One of my resolutions last year was to pull off the ever elusive 'roommate switch' and I'm happy to say I succeeded," he crowed in an e-mail, "This year I believe I'll shoot for the Holy Grail and go for Sisters."

Well, I suppose it's more creative than "losing weight."

Julia wants the lurid (or stodgy) details of your dating new years resolutions. Email Julia@JuliaAllison.com