Elizabeth Smart Instagram – So why did I write a course on sexual consent? Honestly, because in my work, I’ve heard the following stories way too often. -One partner “love bombs” the other, overwhelming them with gifts, so the other partner feels obligated to do things they wouldn’t feel comfortable doing. Or, -A guy begs his girlfriend to have sex with them. After all the pleading, she finally gives in but feels awful about it. She cares for him deeply but wasn’t ready for that step. Or, -A wife feels she must have sex with her husband whenever he demands, even if she feels sick, is busy with other tasks, has just had a baby, isn’t in the mood, or plain doesn’t want to. Because if she doesn’t, he might lust over another woman, look at p*rn, or even have an affair. None of these situations are examples of truly consensual relations. They are examples of coercion and manipulation used to get people to give sexual favors. It’s not okay. At best, in these situations, it’s bad romance; at worst, it’s nonconsensual sex. We are so familiar with examples of sexual abuse and sexual victimization that we see on Lifetime Movies or hear in True Crime podcasts that we forget that the scenarios listed above can ALSO examples of abuse and victimization. And unfortunately, they are waaaaayyyyy too common. So we need to talk about what consent looks like and how it applies to all relationship stages. If you agree, leave a 💯 in the comments. – – – – – !!!!Giveaway Closed!!!! My Wholehearted Consent Course helps teens feel confident when saying No. I’m giving away 20 free enrollments to my Wholehearted Consent course. This course is perfect for the teenager in your life. To enter to win, go to the link in my bio and then click the course giveaway/newsletter sign-up link. Giveaway will be closed on March 24 at 11:59 pm. Winners will be announced the following Monday. I’ll be rooting for you! ;)