OUR SEXUALITY: SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS—BASIC GUIDELINES
What people find enjoyable and comfortable in sexual relationships varies tremendously from person to person. However, to help ensure that the interests of both people involved in a relationship are being protected, certain guidelines should be followed.
1. Sexual relationships should be consensual whether or not the partners are married. Each partner should be able to enter and leave the relationship without any physical, financial, or emotional pressure put on them by the other partner. This means that we must make sure we have the other person’s full permission before engaging in any sexual behavior.
2. Any behavior that harms someone is unacceptable. All relationships bring with them the risk of becoming emotionally hurt, but such harm should never be intentional.
3. We must be open and honest about our actions with anyone with whom we are sexually involved. For example, both people in a relationship should be aware if either partner is also having sex with someone else.
4. In order to reduce the chance of any physical harm, people who are sexually active with each other need to also practice behaviors that protect both partners against sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies.
5. Sex partners should try to have a clear understanding of each other’s feelings and expectations if an unintended pregnancy occurs.
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