What is Consent?

Consent means actively agreeing to be sexual with someone, and lets the other person know that sex is wanted. It also shows that you respect how the other person feels. 

Consenting and asking for consent are all about setting your personal boundaries and respecting those of your partner. Remember that consent can be revoked at any time, under any circumstances.

A helpful acronym for remembering the keys to consent is F.R.I.E.S:

F - Freely given

Consenting is a choice you make without pressure, manipulation, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

R- Reversible

Anyone can change their mind about what they feel like doing, anytime. Even if you’ve done it before, and even if you’re both naked in bed.

I - Informed

You can only consent to something if you have the full story. For example, if someone says they’ll use a condom and then they don’t, there isn’t full consent.

E - Enthusiastic

When it comes to sex, you should only do stuff you WANT to do, not things that you feel you’re expected to do.

S - Specific

Saying yes to one thing (like going to the bedroom to make out) doesn’t mean you’ve said yes to others (like having sex).

You get the final say over what happens with your body. It doesn’t matter if you’ve hooked up before or even if you said yes earlier and then changed your mind. You’re allowed to say “stop” at any time, and your partner needs to respect that.

>> Read more on Plannedparenthood.org