THE BEST WAY FOR MEN TO RING IN 2010

When the stresses and hassle of Christmas finally do come to an end, everybody is ready to let loose and never look back as they plan to ring in the new year. The question is, how?

With so many options and expectations how does one show themselves and their companion(s) an unforgettable time?

The perfect New Year recipe whether you go out and party hard, enjoy a midnight dinner, or stay in remains the same: good company, drinks, midnight kissing, and (optional although highly recommended) sex.

Let's work within those parameters to explore the different yet equally appealing celebratory New Year's eve options.

STAYING IN

Even if you're single and doing it solo, there's no shame in it. Sometimes the hype of New Year's Eve can make those of us who want to take it easy, avoid the 3AM cabs and the disappointment of unmet expectations, and be the only person able to walk before noon on the 1st-- feel like losers.

What's wrong with watching the ball drop with a nice order of Chinese food and a bootleg porn DVD?

Absolutely nothing.

Of course, if you can find someone to share a glass of bubbly with, you'll probably wake up a happier man. If a woman has agreed to spend New Year's Eve with you, just the two of you, she's putting out. All you need to do is splurge for a fifteen dollar bottle of sparkling wine and draw a bubble bath. Extra points if you cook her a meal and lay down a blanket to eat it on indoor-pic-nic style but like I said, if she's there, she's probably ready and willing.

New Year's is also a great time to spring for a hotel. You can find reasonable package deals which probably add up to less than you'd have to spend heading out partying that night anyway. Opt for a hotel room with kitchenette so you can bring your own food and champagne to avoid the ridiculous costs. You'll look like you put in more of an effort anyway. If you're staying in with the guys, turn your sausage-fest into something a little more appetizing with an unexpected guest like a belly dancer or full-on exotic dancer. The larger the crowd, the cheaper the show!

GOING OUT

Clearly the most popular choice for such an occasion. Let's skip the philosophical wanderings on whether people are partying out the old year or partying in the new and agree instead that it's just time to party.

It's frighteningly easy to set yourself up for disaster, though, if your plans are not carefully thought through. The last thing anyone wants is to be stuck in a cab, waiting in a line, or paying exorbitant amounts of money on New Years Eve. Make reservations. Pre-drink. Sneak out at two thirty instead of three to avoid the monstrosity that is coat check and cab-catching. In fact, it's not a bad idea to find a cab driver at the beginning of the night and secure him with a generous tip if he'll give you his personal card and vow to be outside your party place whenever you're ready to go later on.

Nothing can stifle a great sexual opportunity like making a beautifully yet scantily dressed woman wait out in the cold. If you brought a lady friend with you, yet again you're probably guaranteed to score. If not, you're still in luck. New Year's Eve is prime time for insecure women to venture out and hope against all hopes they will be able to find a pair of lips- any pair of lips, when the clock strikes twelve. Perhaps it's not so sensitive to encourage preying on someone's insecurities but the truth is, to most women (and men) the New Year symbolizes a fresh start and opportunity and she won't want to bring in a New Year which announces that she will still be single and (sniff) oh-so-lonely. Oh yeah, plus she's probably super drunk.

A hotel room is also a good option for party-goers. If you split the cost between the lot of you, you'll end up paying a fraction of what you would getting bottle service at an over-crowded club. If you're feeling care-free financially, then why not do both? You can have a midnight romp before heading back to the club, and those who need to can sleep or purge off some excess in a room no one has to clean before rehydrating for more fun. Clearly, if all you gents can afford to splurge on a limo for the night, your accompanying females will be ever so thankful for the hotel room and bar on wheels, and said females have a special way of showing their appreciation in situations such as those.

No matter where you decide to celebrate, just remember to leave your car keys and put on your best clothes. You never know who you'll run into or call up in last minute desperation. It's that one night a year where you know that absolutely everyone is celebrating at the same time, somehow, somewhere. Excitement is bound to be astir.

Make a breakfast date with a few of your funniest friends so you can compare bed-post notches over some much-needed coffee and greasy food. Even if you stayed home alone, at least you'll be wildly entertained and in top form to make 2010 your best year yet.