Consent is an essential element of any successful relationship. It goes beyond just asking if your partner is open to sex. It helps you understand your partner’s boundaries and comfort level. It builds communication, trust, respect and emotional intimacy.
Here are three ways consent can strengthen your relationship.
01. Communicating preferences deepens TRUST
Many of us were brought up in cultures where discussing sexual preferences, limitations, desires, needs and wants was uncomfortable and considered to be taboo topics.
However, openly communicating these with your partner helps both of you understand each other’s boundaries.
This deepens trust, which can be defined as how much you feel you can rely on your partner to take care of your interests. The more you are comfortable sharing your innermost needs and feelings with your partner, and the more your partner is able to listen and understand your needs and feelings, the more you will feel you can trust your partner.
02. Practicing consent builds RESPECT
Respect is like an anchor. Even when times between you and your partner gets tough, it’s the respect that you have for each other which will hold you together.
Practicing consent means respecting your partner’s boundaries and never making assumptions. It is about moving at a pace you and your partner are comfortable with.
03. Honest communication creates a pathway to HONORING each other
While engaging in sex, you are opening up your most vulnerable side to your partner.
The more honest you are in communicating your hesitations and reservations, the deeper your understanding of each other.
What is acceptable for one partner may be taboo for the other. Honest communication creates a safe space and pathway for you and your partner to honor each other’s individual sacredness.
Talk to us
As a Chinese and Indian mixed couple and therapists ourselves, we understand the nuances these cultures bring in relation to communicating sexual preferences and boundaries. This topic may make many people uncomfortable. For some people, it may be an entirely new concept.
If you and your partner seek guidance in appreciating the use of consent in your relationship, we – Kavitha & Kester – are a couple therapists offering couples and relationship counseling in Singapore. Learn more about our services today and start building a better bond with your partner.
