While everyone on “Gossip Girl” is complaining of the intense heat, mid-blackout, nary a hair out of place, the rest of us know that though humidity is sticking it out, summer has come to an end. (Unless you are very, very wealthy and you can find summer any time of year.)

As Wall Street falters and the Presidential candidates politic their way into November, what is to become of your summer fling? Will you vote for him in the fall? Or will you change parties and send him packing? Sure you spent many a wine-filled eve, smelling of suntan lotion and getting sand in your pants—but is your romance seasonal? Or can it sustain Thanksgiving with your family (and the cold)?

It’s become my understanding that “sex on the beach” is a cliché that leads to sand in bad places.  However, sex and beach are both words that bring to mind the ultimate summer fling.  Scantily clad bodies, sun, surf, outdoor bars, gleaming tans, it all makes for a lovely little fantasy.  Unfortunately, fantasies often come to an end.  Sorry kid, time to wake up from that dream.  Fall is almost here!  So how are you going to let your summer fling fade gently into the sunset?  Here are my tips:

(WO)MAN UP: I don’t like people who ignore—they have absolutely no backbone and are cowards.  Own up to what you’re doing. Make it clear that it is O-V-E-R.  This was fun, but now it’s done.  You don’t want to get stuck with a Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction: “I will not be IGNORED, Daniel!”