Be Nonjudgmental

Be nonjudgmental and hear his concerns.

Good communication means not only speaking clearly and assertively, but listening openly as well. Your partner will undoubtedly have thoughts and feelings about how the two of you can best protect yourselves from STDs. It’s important to listen to what he has to say, openly.

This means:

• Don’t interrupt.
  • Not only might interrupting feel rude, it also gets in the way of him being able to tell you what he is thinking and feeling.

• Use active listening.
  • This means really hearing what he has to say, not just waiting until he’s stopped talking before you continue.

• Express empathy.
  • This means understanding where he is coming from and letting him know that you do — by saying it or showing it in your body language.

Remember:

• Don’t interrupt
• Use active listening
• Express empathy

Click on the link below to see a video

Mutual Respect - One Woman's Story