How Do You Ensure Your Hookup is Ethical?
Hookups are considered to be one-off arrangements where singles connect, have fun and then move onto their next adventure. Dating different people requires an honest approach, especially if casual hookup sites are involved in the process. Despite this, keeping things ethical and honest creates a level of mutual respect. Many people have different beliefs when we consider ethical values, and this is determined by generational differences. However, modern dating and hookups often involve sex without ties, so embarking on this kind of dating should remain ethical, but how do you become an ethical partner?
Making Your Hookup Ethical
Understanding what makes your hookup ethical isn’t as challenging as you might think but consider these options, and you’ll feel better about yourself before, during and after any hookup.
Be Honest About STI’s
Sexual health is big news for many people embarking on a hookup. The goal is to ensure people are clear and honest about their STI status. Sexually active individuals should ensure they are tested every six months because knowing that you’re clear of STIs will give you confidence. Your status should be shared, giving people assurance that sex is safe. Forget about the taboo element of STIs because being open and honest will only work in your favor.
Think About Their Feelings
A hookup commonly involves sex without commitment. Unfortunately, people often consider this a relationship without feelings which isn’t true. No hookup should lack feelings, so ensure you consider the feelings of people. A sexual encounter delivers a range of emotions because of the connection, and very few people have a hookup without feelings. While the hookup is about rolling around between the sheets and having fun, make sure you check in on them the next day. You’ll both be clear about intentions, but feelings shouldn’t be ignored or kept in privacy.
Keep Your Intentions Clear
Setting out your intentions from the beginning is important for any hookup. With this knowledge openly shared, both people will understand what is exactly expected from the experience. You might only be in town for a short time but make your partner feel as though you’re sticking around for longer; that’s not considered ethical. While emotions can evolve and grow, specific intentions from the start need to be shared because that enables partners to make decisions based on fact. They’ll be able to manage their feelings and expectations. So, don’t keep intentions close to your chest; lay them out and remember that knowledge is everything.
Respect All Boundaries
Every person has boundaries, so it’s important to respect your own and theirs. Embarking on a hookup can pick you up like a whirlwind, leaving you caught up in the moment. However, understand what you want and what you don’t ensures you’re clear about your intentions and boundaries.
Additionally, respecting the boundaries of your partner is also crucial. Sure, a hookup is fast-paced and hot-blooded but ensuring you’re aware of their boundaries keeps things safe and enjoyable for both. You can ask your partner about their boundaries, showing them respect but ensuring you both have a pleasurable hookup experience together.
Respect Consent
Prior to beginning any form of intimate engagement, consent is especially important. Everyone should understand that all parties are happy with the arrangement and expectations, but consent shouldn’t stop there. Consent is ongoing during the entire hookup, regardless of its duration. Asking them if things are ok or if they’re happy with what you’re doing is important because assuming otherwise could lead to problems. Asking questions shouldn’t annoy your partner, but it should tell them that you are ethical.
Show Your Real Self
Exploring a hookup with someone is an exciting journey that can take many twists and turns. Many people dive into dating with expectations that are slightly disrespectful because they consider a hookup meaningless. However, people have feelings, so taking an ethical stance ensures everyone understands the arrangement and gets everything they want. The experience should be enjoyable, fun, flirty, and engaging. Therefore, it’s important to share feelings, consider boundaries and treat your hookup as something serious in its own way. When you do this, the ethical approach will give your short-lived relationship something extra and could even make it more passionate!