Consent is the foundation of healthy sexual activity, but the concept is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
At its core, consent must be freely given, reversible, informed, enthusiastic, and specific — often summarised as FRIES. Freely given means without pressure, manipulation, or intoxication. Reversible means anyone can change their mind at any point, even mid-activity. Specific consent to one act doesn't imply consent to another.
One area where people often have questions: ongoing relationships. Existing in a relationship does not create a standing consent to sex. Each encounter should involve clear, willing participation from everyone involved. Saying yes once doesn't mean yes forever or to everything.
Non-verbal cues matter too, but they're not a substitute for clear communication. Checking in verbally — 'Is this okay?', 'Do you want to keep going?' — is always the safest approach and is also something many people find actively enhances intimacy.
What questions do you have about consent, or what experiences have shaped how you think about it?
At its core, consent must be freely given, reversible, informed, enthusiastic, and specific — often summarised as FRIES. Freely given means without pressure, manipulation, or intoxication. Reversible means anyone can change their mind at any point, even mid-activity. Specific consent to one act doesn't imply consent to another.
One area where people often have questions: ongoing relationships. Existing in a relationship does not create a standing consent to sex. Each encounter should involve clear, willing participation from everyone involved. Saying yes once doesn't mean yes forever or to everything.
Non-verbal cues matter too, but they're not a substitute for clear communication. Checking in verbally — 'Is this okay?', 'Do you want to keep going?' — is always the safest approach and is also something many people find actively enhances intimacy.
What questions do you have about consent, or what experiences have shaped how you think about it?