Some people might suffer from worries and anxiety around how new sexual experiences will go, or about how to maximise their and others’ enjoyment of sexual experiences. One way we can do this is to feel confident about using enthusiastic consent.
Remember: checking in about someone's enjoyment of a sexual experience is important and can also be sexy. We can ask for consent, and check for continued consent in sexual experiences, by looking out for open body language, smiling or laughing, or if someone is indicating from body language, sounds or actions that they are having a pleasurable time. You can also always ask whether they like what you’re doing, or would like anything to be different.
Remember if you’re unsure or anxious about if someone fancies you or wants to engage in a sexual experience with you: it's always okay to ask upfront. We can also practice consent with ourselves by checking in with ourselves before masturbation.
Consent is a natural and normal part of sex, both alone and partnered. No one should never have to experience sex that wasn’t consensual - either through coercion or force.