by Emma Atkinson and Rachel Drake
Hello lovely readers! Welcome back to the place to talk about all things consent-related. We’re here to answer your questions in a friendly, non-judgmental way.
It’s a new year, and it might be a good time to consider updating your consent framework(s). You don’t necessarily have to, but it might be worth considering.
In the previous column, we took a side trip into what we can do when faced with new information. Something we thought was true turns out to not be true. Our understanding of a situation turns out to differ from a partner’s understanding of it. You thought they loved it when you (fill in the blank) and it turns out they’re not as thrilled as you imagined.
When we get new information, we update our knowledge base. For example, you may experience the addition of a new partner into your relationship(s) - either by your choice or another’s choice. Or, health issues may arise in relationships. Things are different, and these changes will probably affect the nature of your interactions, either for a while or from here on out.
How can we create a consent framework that promotes each other in body, mind, and spirit? We’re glad you asked. This might be a good time to look through previous Consent Corner columns and review what you’ve learned so far.
It might also be a good time to ask us a question at info@thecspc.org. And, stay tuned because there’s lots more to come in the Corner that will help you continually improve consent frameworks.
“Be excellent to each other.” Bill and Ted
“Be sexcellent to each other.” Emma and Rachel