Relationships

Relationships can be great. They should be fun, exciting and help you feel secure and supported. Having positive relationships in our lives can be hugely beneficial to our emotional health and wellbeing, providing support and care.

But not all relationships feel this way and relationships can change over time too. If a partner pressures you, ignores your boundaries, or makes you feel bad about yourself, those are signs of an unhealthy relationship. No one should control who you are or what you do.

Traits of a healthy relationship

  1. Trust
    Honesty, reliability and sticking to agreements – including those about safer sex.
  2. Respect
    Valuing each other’s identity. Understanding and respecting each other’s personal boundaries.
  3. Kindness
    Showing care, appreciation and feeling valued by your partner.
  4. Freedom
    You can be yourself. No one should have to change who they are to please their partner.  
a male couple lying on bed

Communication

Good communication is the cornerstone of a healthy relationship. Talking to your partner (whether a sexual partner or romantic partner) about STIs, condoms, contraception and consent is at the heart of safer sex.

These conversations can feel awkward, but they’ll lead to more enjoyable sex that looks after the sexual health of you and your partner.

The more you talk about sex, desire, relationships, pleasure and your body, the less awkward it will be.

Talking about condoms & contraception

Contraception is everyone’s responsibility. You cannot get pregnant alone, you shouldn’t have to prevent pregnancy alone either.

Everyone can buy condoms and you might be able to access condoms free through C-Card schemes if they’re available in your area.

Using condoms shows respect for yourself and your partner by looking after your sexual health.

Don’t leave the decision to use condoms up to someone else. If you want to use them then take the lead. It’s your body and you’re right to want to look after your health. 

If someone makes a big deal about you wanting to use condoms, consider if this is the sort of person you want to be having sex with.