Consent Turns Good Vibes into Great Vibes!
By Hazel Rex
Consent is the foundation of any healthy, respectful interaction between people! Whether someone wants a kiss, a hug, or another intimate moment, clear and enthusiastic consent is required for all parties. Unfortunately, asking for consent can feel awkward, especially when emotions or feelings might be strong- but it doesn’t have to be that way! By being confident and clear, we can make asking for consent an empowering way of building trust with the people we care about!
Here are 5 ways you might use to ask for consent:
Normalize It! Asking for consent doesn’t have to be a big, dramatic conversation every time. It can be a very regular addition to communicating with your partner. A simple “is this okay?” or “can I keep going?” can go a long way.
Be Direct, but not Overwhelming: Clear communication is always helpful. Instead of avoiding a conversion or waiting for “signals”, just be upfront about your intentions! For example, a “can I kiss you?” is perfectly clear, and still respectful.
Keep Things Light: It's perfectly normal to feel nervous! If you’re starting to get anxious, a joke or playful remark to keep things light is always a good idea. For example, “I want to kiss you, but only if you’re into that!” This shows confidence and still allows for a clear ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
Body Language, Baby! Non-verbal cues can be *helpful*, like a touch on the arm or meaningful look- but you still want to make sure to set the stage for a verbal ask. If you are seeing cues from your partner, you can ask, “do you want to kiss?” rather than jumping in without a check-in.
Always respect the ‘no’! Asking for consent is about more than just a ‘yes’, it’s about respecting boundaries. If someone declines an intimate interaction, accept that graciously, and don’t take it personally. Consent is not a negotiation; it’s about mutual respect and understanding!
Consent Turns Good Vibes into Great Vibes!
At the end of the day, consent isn’t just a formality, it’s a key ingredient to healthy, enjoyable relationships. When both parties feel respected and valued, their connection is deepened and makes things more meaningful. Consent can be the most powerful way to build trust and intimacy, creating experiences that everyone enjoys!