What to ask yourself before having sex with someone new

A new romance can be quite heady. When it’s all brand-new, you can barely keep your hands off each other. In such a situation, it’s not difficult to predict the direction in which things will go. But before you go all the way, you must answer these five questions so that you’re able to make an informed decision.

Am I ready for it?

Do you feel good about taking your relationship to the next level? If you hesitate before answering this question, you should probably wait until you feel comfortable enough with your new partner. You don’t want to feel like you’re being forced into something you don’t want to do, and end up resenting him because of it.

Are we there yet?

Have you, as a couple, reached a level of trust, confidence and affection? If the answer is no, taking a step ahead will probably make you regret it later. The best thing is to take some time to get to know each other better and then mutually decide if you’re ready to get more intimate.

Will it make me happy?

Being happy and excited while you’re hanging out or having a meal with him doesn’t guarantee that having sex with him will make you feel the same way. The best way to find out is to take baby steps. Don’t jump for the final prize the very first time; make do with consolation prizes and figure out if it’s worth going forward.  

Do I trust him?

Does he have a past that can harm you or your health? If he’s had a problem with alcoholism/drug abuse/STDs in the past and you know about it, you better think long and hard if being intimate with him is what you really want. Talk to him about it and make a decision only if you think you can trust him.

Do we have protection?

Having sex with a new partner may be exciting, but it can also be dangerous. You don’t know him well enough to guarantee he’s clean of infections and diseases. Plus, why would you take the risk of unwanted pregnancy? Make sure you’re armed with protection, so that even if he’s not, you don’t have to settle for unsafe sex.