24 Jul What Does Consent Really Mean in a Relationship?
Because ‘yes’ should always mean yes—and ‘no’ should never be ignored.
Let’s talk about a word that gets thrown around a lot but still isn’t always understood properly: consent.
Whether you’re holding hands, sharing a kiss, or navigating your first relationship, consent is what makes everything safe, respectful, and real.
But consent isn’t just about sex. It’s about touch. Communication. Boundaries. Power. Respect.
“I didn’t know how to say no…”
A friend once told me how she didn’t want to kiss someone at a party but froze when it happened. “I didn’t want to cause drama,” she said.
Sound familiar? That awkward moment when you’re not sure how to speak up, or when someone assumes your silence means you’re okay with it.
Here’s the truth: consent is not the absence of a ‘no’—it’s the presence of a clear, enthusiastic ‘yes’.
So, what is consent really?
Consent means:
- Freely given – no pressure, no guilt trips, no fear.
- Reversible – you can change your mind. Anytime. Even if you said yes before.
- Informed – you know what you’re saying yes to.
- Enthusiastic – it’s not “I guess…” or “okay, fine.”
- Specific – saying yes to one thing doesn’t mean yes to everything.
(Yep, this is called FRIES. It’s not just a snack—it’s a whole framework.)
In a healthy relationship, consent looks like:
- Asking before you touch, hug, kiss, or get intimate.
- Respecting your partner’s ‘no’—every time.
- Checking in: “Is this okay?” / “Do you want to keep going?”
- Listening. Slowing down. Backing off when needed.
What consent is NOT:
- “They didn’t say no, so it’s fine.”
- “But we’ve done this before…”
- “They were drunk but they didn’t stop me.”
- “I’m their partner, they owe me.”
No one owes anyone physical or emotional access. Ever.
Let’s normalise this talk
Talking about consent—openly and often—is how we protect each other, especially in a world where gender-based violence is real.
You deserve safety. You deserve respect.
And so does your partner. Consent is how we make relationships safe, soft, and sacred. Not just sexually—but emotionally too.
Whether you’re dating, vibing, or deep in a situationship, mutual respect is the love language that matters most.
