Why Bother Asking Summer Flingee?

Perhaps therapist Pat Allen should examine the consistency of her advice regarding “safe” summer flings (“All Hot and Bothered,” July 6).

First she counsels, “Just remember that you can’t trust people,” then, defying all logic, goes on to advise that you should ask the potential flingee: “Is this summer fling going to be monogamous for the next few weeks or months?”

If you can’t trust people, of what possible use is asking them such a question? Are we supposed to believe they will be forthcoming with a candid response, such as “No, I’m only having a little fun with you tonight. . . ?

The pertinent question is one you should ask yourself: “If I knew this person was HIV positive, would I still have ‘safe’ sex with him or her?” If the answer is no, then it would seem the only true safety you will find is in refraining from such encounters altogether.

JULIE GILBART

Tuscany Hills