The much awaited weekend is here and you’ve decided to go on a well deserved break. You feel physically relaxed and emotionally renewed, you are away from your daily routine and the stresses and strains of home and work – basically, you are ready to fall in love.But, is a weekend fling a good idea or a serious mistake? After all, there is the possibility that while you are taking it lightly, he or she is very keen. Or vice-versa. The other option could be that you fall for the wrong kind of person and end up having your heart broken, besides losing complete trust in mankind. Luckily, weekend holiday makers can be easily categorised and you can figure out which kind to avoid and which to embrace.This is the one who has already had three weekend flings before you arrived on the scene and each of them thought this was something serious, until they saw him/her on someone else’s arm a few days later . This person sees the weekend holiday merely as an opportunity to break hearts and boost his/her ego. Hit the road, don’t even shed a tear, this person is not worth it.This is the person who is single for the weekend, but has a partner tucked away somewhere, who is expecting him or her back soon. Don’t feel too bad about being taken in by this kind. It will not be the first time he or she does this. How you find out about the real partner is usually when you try and phone after the holiday and you get the boyfriend or girlfriend on the phone. It is not always easy to know when someone is taken. Trust your instincts and don’t feel guilty when you are being a bit suspicious.Just look out for yourself and don’t be talked into something you would rather not do, by someone who is trying to put another notch on the bedpost. Some people measure the success of their holidays by their number of conquests. Better be safe than sorry.This is the person whose purse or wallet is always mysteriously at home when it gets to paying for things. Promises to pay you back later just never seem to materialise . This person usually has expensive tastes and likes going to trendy places with your money. Don’t be taken for a ride. Big talkerAccording to this person, he/she is a really big shot back home. That means the person claims that he/she is either a sports star or a brilliant academic or an entrepreneur, or whatever. But exactly how wonderful he/she is, is the main topic of conversation. And you have a sneaking suspicion that this person may be a legend in his/her own mind only. Don’t do this to yourself, for anyone who continually has to do a public relations job on themselves does not really have much of a self-image.This is the person you went out with once and kissed behind the fishing boats. And now he/she is making long term plans and these seem to feature you in a major way. He/she is choosing names for your children and is planning to take you to meet the family. Unless you feel the same way, which is unlikely in such a short while, run and run quickly.This kind does exist. Admittedly not very often, but there are people who have had successful long term relationships with people they met on a weekend holiday. People who were sane and nice and normal and not already attached , who were not freeloaders or braggarts or desperadoes . You have lucked out and can rest easy and enjoy your good fortune.If you want to keep things light and easy, here are some things you should do:Make your intentions clear from the start to any potential beau. Your honesty may mean your never clinching the romance, but you will avoid any over-involvement .Be assertive and tell him you don’t want to see him again – and stick to it. If he pressures you, confront him in front of your friends or other holiday-makers . If necessary, tell your holiday rep, as they will be able to offer more support.Be tactful and firm. Build his confidence by telling him what a fabulous time you have had, but be clear that the romance stops at the end of the holiday. Once home, if he’s persistent, don’t answer his emails or letters.- TNN