for Veterans and the Public
Talking about safer sex
You and your partners will have to decide what you are comfortable doing sexually.
Here are some tips:
- Find a time and place outside the bedroom to talk.
- Decide your own boundaries, concerns and desires before you start to talk.
- Make sure you clearly state what you want. Use only "I" statements, for example: "I want to use a condom when we have sex."
- Make sure you don't do, or agree to do, anything that you're not 100% comfortable with.
- Listen to what your partner is saying. Acknowledge your partner's feelings and opinions. You will need to come up with solutions that work for both of you.
- Be positive. Use reasons for safer sex that are about you, not your partner.
Of course, only you and your partner can decide what level of risk you are willing to take.