Christopher Rhoads

Let me talk to the fellas for a moment. You see this girl on campus for a while and every time you walk past, you can’t take your eyes off of her.

One day she speaks and the two of you schedule a late-night appointment.

So she comes over and the two of you start touching. And the touching turns to kissing.

In your head you know where this is going, but then she asks you a question that you’re not quite ready for: Have you been tested for sexually transmitted diseases?

Though it should be, that scenario is not a common one.

Talk of one’s sexual history is usually reserved for more meaningful relationships, and when there is enough time shared between partners to learn of such history.

But does that mean that the question shouldn’t be brought up with people you don’t plan to have any extended exposure to sexually?

So how do you bring up the question of one’s sexual history without making the situation uncomfortable for both parties?

Avoiding the question puts oneself at too great a risk of catching a sexually transmitted disease that may be incurable or fatal.

Direct honesty is the only way. Get to the point. Death is direct, so why be indirect.

It is not only one’s right to have this information; it is your obligation to find out when the person you plan to engage in sexual activity with was last tested.

Ladies, why would you allow someone — or better yet something — into your body that you have no knowledge of? This is not “Fear Factor.”

Fellas, why would you get yourself into something you can’t get out of (pun intended)?

Anyone that tells you that you don’t need to know this information is not worth the risk, no matter what they look like.

Sex is an intimate matter that can have grave consequences. Those who don’t get tested are fools. Those who don’t concern themselves with the history of someone they get involved with are imbeciles.