In my new novel, LoveHampton, my main character, Tori Miller, trips over fifty “Hamptons Unwritten Rules,” several of which have to do with dating. But these rules are universal and apply not only to the handful of semi-rarefied beach towns along the East End but anywhere where the mercury soars, strappy sandals are de rigueur and the whirring of nocturnal creatures sends pulses racing.
Here are some examples:
HAMPTONS UNWRITTEN RULE #14: The only direction to date is UP.
“Up” doesn’t necessarily mean “richer,” “smarter,” or “of a higher social standing”—at least, outside of the Hamptons, it doesn’t. This rule is more about dating at least in your league, if not slightly higher. Have you ever heard that the only way to become a better tennis player is to play with someone who is more proficient than you are? Same thing.
HAMPTONS UNWRITTEN RULE #16: You can never be too rich or too thin, but you can be too eager.
How many times have we all heard that no one likes an over-eager beaver, especially in dating? Well, we’re all going to keep on being reminded of that until some people finally learn how to tone that foolishness down! As much as it’s human nature to be flattered by attention, people tend to be turned off by too much of it. Even if you swear on your first dog’s grave that the attraction was instant and mutual, be sure to take into account the additional giddiness factor of summer and tack on at least half a day to what you think the right waiting period is before you send that gushy text. Better yet, have your most honest friend vet that gushy text and give him or her carte blanche to delete extraneous exclamation points.
HAMPTONS UNWRITTEN RULE #22: Steamy July nights are the best breeding ground for nocturnal confessions.
Want to get someone to share their true feelings … or even have them in the first place? Go outside at night, take your shoes off, sink your feet into the cool grass/sand/water and look for falling stars. Admittedly this advice sounds super-cheesy but trust me, it works. One of the most romantic nights I ever had was spent lying on my back (fully-clothed!) on the deck of the summer house with all the lights off, head-to-head with my super-summer-crush watching a meteor shower for hours. Pure magic.
