Monday, March 11, 2013

Disclosure Before Romance


Before becoming physically involved with another person, I feel that a certain amount of disclosure should occur. Both parties need to be fully aware of each other’s age, any STDs that are present, and whether or not contraception is being used. Disclosure of age is especially important in high school and college in order to avoid sexual encounters with someone who is underage. Informing the other person of any current STDs may very well ruin the heat of the moment, but is extremely beneficial in the long run. Informing the other person of any contraception being used could avoid any unwanted pregnancies.

Personally, I feel that it should never be required for someone to disclose any past experiences which do not include romantic involvements. These are personal memories which may, through the natural development of a relationship, be revealed by the holder. However, it would be completely unreasonable to expect the other person to reveal their entire past to you, as there could be way too much to cover.

                Under certain circumstances, I feel that it may be necessary to clarify any expectations of commitment, assuring that neither person is being used solely for sex without their consent being given. These are the sort of special circumstances that could lead to a legitimate relationship, so it is crucial to be as truthful and upfront as possible during this time. That being said, if the expectations of commitment turn out to be mutual, it may be appropriate to reveal any past romantic involvements in order to avoid any surprises later on.

6 comments:

  1. I agree that irrelevant history should not have to be disclosed before sex. However, given my own personal experiences, I believe that interests of commitment versus casual enjoyment should ALWAYS be revealed. I have realized that the lack of this crucial communication often leads to confusion and heartache.

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  2. I like that you included the disclosure of age. That's something simple, yet so crucial in legal terms that I hadn't even thought of. I also agree that past experiences are irrelevant and therefore not necessary to disclose, although they likely will be disclosed upon development of a serious relationship. I do think there are a few more things you could have added, like your position on disclosing mental disabilities or children.

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  3. i majorly agree with the age knowing part beacuse that can cause alot of trouble. Thats how alot of people get into trouble nowadays. Also with past relationships can cause headaches and unwanted hositlities. Difference between casual and long term relationship is the understanding which alot dont realize. But on the under circumstances parts needs more explain.

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  4. I agree with your statement on how age should be revealed. and you make a very good point on how it would be unreasonable to reveal your entire past to someone before starting a relationship, only the essential things need to be revealed, such as age and STD's.

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  5. I completely agree with your point about age, it was a point my group and I didn't go over, but a very important one. I was confused by the second paragraph because although the point is clear it is not clear whether you are talking about a fling or a long term relationship or both, for all the statements made. I believe past relationships should be revealed in long term relationships, because it can help you get to know what each other has been through, as well understand certain things about the person you are attempting to have a relationship with.

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  6. I agree with most of what is discussed in this post except for the last paragraph. It is stated in the post that "Under certain circumstances, I feel that it may be necessary to clarify any expectations of commitment". The fault in this phrase comes within the first 3 words. It should always be necessary to clarify the expectations of commitment, because this is always an underlying thought in at least one of the two partners' minds. The second issue found in this paragraph of the post is "it may be appropriate to reveal any past romantic involvements in order to avoid any surprises later on." Although I do agree that this information could be disclosed at a certain point in the relationship, it is not necessary to disclose this information this early on, nor at all because the past in which one person is not involved in does not concern them.

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