What to Say to Your Partner

When you have the conversation with him, keep the following things in mind:

• Let him know you care about his needs too. He’ll want to know how he fits into the plan and know you’re thinking about him as well as yourself.

• Tell him what kind of support you need from him. For example, ask him about his willingness to use condoms, and tell him you appreciate that he is a caring partner who takes your health seriously.

• If you know you don’t want to be pregnant, and he feels the same way, remind him that you both share the goal of avoiding pregnancy.

• Be a good listener! That means giving him a chance to ask you questions and tell you his thoughts.

• Give him your full attention. Make sure you understand what he is telling or asking you by asking questions to clarify things that are unclear.

• He might be worried about his ability to please you. Reassure him that you can work through any problems together, and if one method—for example, condoms—doesn’t work well, you can try another, such as female condoms.

• Remember that your needs are important—the best way to avoid regrets is to communicate what you want as clearly as possible.

• Do not interrupt him.
  • Not only might this feel rude, it also gets in the way 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.

Click on the link below to see a video

Make Condoms Sexy - One Woman's Story