2008 Woodie Awards
The three-letter 'four-letter' word
Noel Richey
Staff Writer
Issue date: 4/14/08 Section: Opinion
Sex is a four-letter word in our society (English majors, hush; you know it's a metaphor). When was the last time you sat down and had a good conversation with your significant other about sex? What about your parents? Your counselor or pastor? Yes, people, I'm serious. I know that "talk" is another four-letter word when it's associated with sex, but that doesn't mean it's not important. Communication is the single most important thing you can do regarding sex - communicating about sexual preferences and sexual desires, about what you like and don't like, about your contraceptive use (or lack thereof), about what you're comfortable with your partner doing and what you're not.
Scary stuff. But what if they think you're a wimp because you haven't had many partners? But what if they call you a slut because you have? What if he doesn't like to use condoms? What if she can't use the pill? What if I want to be dominated in bed? What if I don't? What if I'm a virgin and want to stay that way? What if I'm bi? What if, what if, what if ....
Guess what? You'll never know unless you talk about it. These things are important to know in a healthy relationship. Before I go into a new relationship, I need to know my soon-to-be partner's sexual history … not to judge whether he or she has been more or less active than me but so I have a good idea of the risks he or she has taken. Guys, this is hard enough for us to divulge, and if we're ready to sleep with you, then we're probably not virgins, so be nice. Ladies, HPV often has no symptoms in men, and there is no test for it. If you need the reminder, HPV is the virus that can cause cervical cancer. I need to know when their last checkup was done and their last full battery of STD/STI tests. They should know mine, too. And remember, folks, someone who wants to get into bed with you may very well lie. Look at the paperwork, or go get tested together. USA Heath Center goes through the Mobile County Health Department, and they charge $10 per person. Seriously, people, you can't go on a date for that price.
Scary stuff. But what if they think you're a wimp because you haven't had many partners? But what if they call you a slut because you have? What if he doesn't like to use condoms? What if she can't use the pill? What if I want to be dominated in bed? What if I don't? What if I'm a virgin and want to stay that way? What if I'm bi? What if, what if, what if ....
Guess what? You'll never know unless you talk about it. These things are important to know in a healthy relationship. Before I go into a new relationship, I need to know my soon-to-be partner's sexual history … not to judge whether he or she has been more or less active than me but so I have a good idea of the risks he or she has taken. Guys, this is hard enough for us to divulge, and if we're ready to sleep with you, then we're probably not virgins, so be nice. Ladies, HPV often has no symptoms in men, and there is no test for it. If you need the reminder, HPV is the virus that can cause cervical cancer. I need to know when their last checkup was done and their last full battery of STD/STI tests. They should know mine, too. And remember, folks, someone who wants to get into bed with you may very well lie. Look at the paperwork, or go get tested together. USA Heath Center goes through the Mobile County Health Department, and they charge $10 per person. Seriously, people, you can't go on a date for that price.
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