Mastering Intimacy And Safety In Dating – Objective – Challenge – Conclusion – Dating Safety – Final Action Steps

Objective: Reflect on your views about intimacy and take steps to build a stronger connection with your partner.

1. Reflect on Intimacy:
   1. Write down what intimacy means to you, including emotional and physical aspects.
2. Discuss with Your Partner:
   1. Have an open conversation about what intimacy means to both of you. Explore your partner’s values and preferences regarding physical connection.
3. Evaluate Readiness for Sex:
   1. Reflect on whether you and your partner are emotionally and physically ready for sex.
   1. Consider the potential impact of timing on your relationship.
4. Build Emotional Intimacy First:
   1. Prioritize activities that strengthen emotional bonds, such as sharing vulnerable thoughts, planning meaningful dates, or supporting each other’s goals.

Challenge: Spend time this week focusing on non-physical intimacy. Observe how deepening your emotional connection enhances your relationship.

Conclusion: Embracing Intimacy and Compatibility

Intimacy and sexual compatibility are vital elements of a thriving relationship. By fostering emotional closeness, understanding the role of physical connection, and aligning on timing and values, you create a foundation for mutual trust, passion, and growth.

Dating Safety:

Something to think about: Affordable STD testing before intimacy is important, and it should be a major consideration.

In my past dating situations, I did not date anyone without letting them know that I required an STD test before going on more than one date. This policy kept me from contracting an STD, HSV, and HIV. I was told by several women that they had HSV, and they decided NOT to get tested. Therefore, I decided not to date them further. This was a dealbreaker, and I did not compromise on this policy. I added this as a note within this course because it is very important, and for most people, it will be hard to request this from a person you seek to get to know better. However, it’s my opinion you can’t afford not to know your date’s status before intimacy or sex.

When used correctly and consistently, condoms can significantly reduce the risk of contracting and passing on STI’s like the following:

1. RPR – Syphilis Test
2. Chlamydia Test
3. Gonorrhoeae Test
4. HIV Test
5. Trichomoniasis
6. Hepatitis A, B & C
7. Be aware of STIs like Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) 1 & 2 may be passed on the virus through kissing and skin-to-skin contact. The risk of contracting some STIs can be reduced by proper protection.

Not all STIs show symptoms, and you don’t want to be in the dark about you and your partner’s status. Stay on top of your health and prevent the spread of STIs by getting tested regularly.

Here’s where you can receive private STIs and STD Testing:  10-Panel STD Testing.

Your STD test results are available in 1-2 days. Other options below:

1. A Wellness check can be done at a Testing Center near you. We can help click on this link: Find A Test Center Page With Coupon and receive 10% off your private testing.
2. Wellness and STD Check: 10 Test Panel with HIV RNA Early Detection directly to cart along with Coupon
3. Online STD Testing. Secure Private Test

If you wish to test privacy for any of the STD-STI procedures, you can visit any of these three websites.   Here are three websites we recommend: DatingWithChildren.com, and PurposelyDating.com. If you search under the safety page, the links are all there.  Your health is very important, so we recommend you get tested and have your future sexual partner get tested before you all start having sex. Safety should be at the forefront of dating.

Having the Conversation About STD Testing Before The Sexual Encounter.

Prioritizing comprehensive STD testing before engaging in sexual activity with a new partner is a fundamental step in fostering a safe, responsible, and healthy relationship. Not only does testing help protect both individuals from the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but it also establishes a strong foundation of trust and transparency. Key tests often include screening for HIV, which can be detected early through a blood or saliva sample and is crucial for effective management. Testing for syphilis—usually via a simple blood test—helps prevent serious long-term complications associated with this infection. Chlamydia and gonorrhea, two of the most common bacterial STIs, can be identified via urine samples or swabs; both frequently present minimal symptoms yet pose significant health risks if untreated.

Additionally, screening for herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2) through a swab or blood test can provide clarity, given that many individuals may be asymptomatic or experience mild, easily overlooked symptoms. Hepatitis B testing, done via blood work, is also critical since chronic infection can lead to severe liver issues, but vaccination is available for prevention. For women, HPV (human papillomavirus) screening is especially relevant, as persistent high-risk strains can lead to cervical cancer; while men typically lack an approved routine HPV test, open dialogue about vaccination and risk factors remains vital.

By getting tested for these major infections, you and your partner can proactively address any potential health concerns, ensuring that both parties enter the relationship fully informed. Such diligence helps prevent the physical and emotional toll of undiagnosed STIs, and reduces the broader risk of community transmission. Moreover, discussing and scheduling STD tests before intimacy underscores a commitment to each other’s well-being, demonstrating maturity, empathy, and respect. While it might initially feel uncomfortable to bring up topics related to personal health, the short-term awkwardness far outweighs the potential lifelong impact of unknowingly spreading or contracting an infection. Ultimately, thorough testing paves the way for a more confident, satisfying, and supportive partnership, solidifying the bond by fostering openness, trust, and accountability from the very beginning.

Action Step: Schedule and Complete STD Testing

1. Private STD Test: Click on the links within this part of the course to purchase an STD test that fits your requested test.
2. Schedule an Appointment: Contact the testing facility to set up an appointment, ensuring you select a panel that tests for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2), hepatitis B, and any other relevant infections.
3. Communicate with Your Partner: Share your intent to get tested and invite them to do the same. Openly discuss the process, potential outcomes, and why this step is important for mutual trust and safety.
4. Follow Through with Results: Once you receive your test results, review them carefully and make any necessary follow-up appointments. If needed, seek treatment or further evaluation based on healthcare recommendations.
5. Share Confirmed Information: Have a straightforward conversation with your partner about your results. Use this as an opportunity to reinforce honesty, respect, and your commitment to each other’s well-being.

Final Action Steps for Day 25:

1. Reflect on your own definition of intimacy and discuss it openly with your partner.
2. Take small, intentional steps to build both emotional and physical intimacy.
3. Align with your partner on the timing and significance of physical intimacy.

By approaching intimacy with care and mutual understanding, you create a relationship that fulfills both emotional and physical needs, paving the way for a deeply connected and satisfying partnership.