How to Have “The Talk” with your Partner(s)
Promoting Healthy Relationships and Setting Boundaries
As college students, we are all still learning how to navigate our sexual health. It's important to understand how broad the topic of sexual health is. It includes your sexuality, sexual preferences, wants and needs, etc. Having a solid understanding of sexual health and knowing your own boundaries and how to communicate them is crucial when engaging in new relationships. This can be key in understanding yourself and establishing healthy relationships and a mutual understanding with your partner(s).
For many, sex is a taboo topic of conversation. Because of this, it can feel pretty awkward to talk about your sexual health with someone else, especially when entering a new relationship. Having the conversation doesn't have to feel awkward. In fact, talking about sex can benefit the relationship and your experiences long term. Sex can affect you in ways that aren't just physical. This is why it is very important to have conversations about sex before actually engaging.
Still feeling nervous? Here are a number of ways you can approach the conversation.
You can:
- Ask your partner to define sexual health, what does it look like for them? This is a good icebreaker and can make them feel more comfortable
- Let your partner know that it's important for you to discuss your sexual health and history. Then you can ask your partner when they last got tested and if you could both get tested before you get intimate
- Talk about your attitudes towards sex in order to get on the same page. "What are we each comfortable doing?" "Let's talk about personal boundaries"
- Reassure them that you're coming from a well-meaning and positive place.
It is important to know that even if you use any of these approaches, there's no guarantee that your partner will be receptive to having a conversation about their sexual health. If this does happen, you should consider whether or not it's worth moving forward in the relationship. The point of having these conversations about sexual health is to make sure both you and your partner feel safe and comfortable with one another. If they refuse to have that discussion, the relationship might not be worth pursuing. Remember to keep your needs in mind as you navigate these conversations and figure out your compatibility!
Know that if you ever need help navigating how to talk to your partner about sexual health, UMBC offers an array of resources such as the Office of Health Promotion (OHP) and Retriever Integrated Health (RIH). They are both located in The Center for Well-Being and can help you and/or your partner. To check out their services, head over to
https://healthpromotion.umbc.edu/ and
https://health.umbc.edu.
We are sharing tips on healthy relationships and safe sex practices on Instagram and Twitter! Follow us @UMBCOHP to learn more.
Written by peer health educators Anna Green ('23), Biological Sciences; Meghan Thomas ('24), Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Nia Hopkins ('24), Psychology
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As college students, we are all still learning how to navigate our sexual health. It's important to understand how broad the topic of sexual health is. It includes your sexuality, sexual...
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Wed, 12 Apr 2023 11:19:24 -0400
Community Mindfulness for Mental Health
Take a brain break!
Community Mindfulness for Mental Health
Take a brain break!
Take a brain break and join in a weekly community mindfulness practice with other members of our student, faculty, and staff population. Mindfulness has been proven to offer a whole host of physical and mental health benefits including but not limited to lowering stress, improving emotional regulation, boosting cognitive abilities, and strengthening relationships. Come join us in building a progressive meditation practice together and supporting each other in cultivating greater resilience and well-being!
Space is limited to 20. Please sign up in advance. Sessions to be facilitated by members of Retriever Integrated Health.
Please register for each session
here.
Sponsor: offered as a joint partnership between Human Resources and Retriever Integrated Health
Midterm Motivation
Monday, April 10, 2023 3 - 4 PM
The Commons : Mainstreet
Join us for a midterm motivation event at Commons Mainstreet from 3-4 pm! Come talk with your peers, make stress balls, snag a goodie bag, and get study affirmations to crush those exams! Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to destress and grab some goodies!
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Mindfulness Mondays
A Space to Breath. To Reflect. To Be.
Monday, April 10, 2023 4 - 5 PM
The Center for Well-Being : 103
Mindfulness is the practice of purposefully bringing one's attention into the present moment without judgment. Join our staff to pause and connect with yourself, others, and the space around you. Each week, you will have various opportunities to practice mindfulness, including yoga, meditation, and exploring various religious/spiritual approaches to this topic. This is a collaborative series between i3b, UMBC Recreation, and the Office of Health Promotions.
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Building a Healthier Relationship with Yourself
A tabling event
Tuesday, April 11, 2023 12 - 1 PM
The Commons : Mainstreet
As we enter the season of rebirth and blossom, it is important to check in with yourself. Join the peer health educators to learn more about ways to build and maintain a better relationship with yourself.
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Community Conversations
Discussing Consent
Wednesday, April 12, 2023 12 - 1 PM
The Commons : 004
A community can be a vital tool to help all of us get through life's ups and downs and celebrate our big and small moments. Community Conversations is an interactive event that will help students understand the role of community in supporting their well-being and mental health. This conversation will also highlight what it means to show up for others.
This Community Conversation will also focus on consent and how folks can reclaim their bodies after an assault has occurred.
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Community Conversations
Graduate Student Community
Thursday, April 13, 2023 3 - 4:30 PM
The Commons : Fireside Lounge
A community can be a vital tool to help all of us get through life's ups and downs and celebrate our big and small moments. Community Conversations is an interactive event that will help students understand the role of community in supporting their well-being and mental health. This conversation will also highlight what it means to show up for others.
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Good Morning Commuters (GMC) - Adult Learner's Week
A great way to start your day!
Tuesday, April 18, 2023 8:30 - 10:30 AM
The Commons : Sports Zone
Good Morning Commuters (GMC) happens every Tuesday morning, from 8:30am to 10:00am, for breakfast. It's complimentary with your Commuter Gold Card. Here you can meet new people, express commuter concerns, and learn about the latest events and activities at UMBC.
Don't have a Gold Card? You can purchase one at any GMC. If you purchased a Gold Card last semester they are active for the whole school year.
Gold Cards are $5 for Commuter Students and $10 for Residential Students and Graduate Students.
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Community Conversations
Spiritual Well-Being
Wednesday, April 19, 2023 12 - 1 PM
The Center for Well-Being : 103
A community can be a vital tool to help all of us get through life's ups and downs and celebrate our big and small moments. Community Conversations is an interactive event that will help students understand the role of community in supporting their well-being and mental health. This conversation will also highlight what it means to show up for others.
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Mini Health Fair Series
Featuring the UMBC Police
Wednesday, April 19, 2023 12 - 2 PM
Library and Gallery, Albin O. Kuhn
Drop by to learn more about how the UMBC Police can help your success and wellbeing this semester.
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Community Conversations
Asian American Pacific Islander Community
Wednesday, April 19, 2023 3 - 4:30 PM
The Commons : The Mosaic
A community can be a vital tool to help all of us get through life's ups and downs and celebrate our big and small moments. Community Conversations is an interactive event that will help students understand the role of community in supporting their well-being and mental health. This conversation will also highlight what it means to show up for others.
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Midterm Motivation Monday, April 10, 2023 3 - 4 PM The Commons : Mainstreet Join us for a midterm motivation event at Commons Mainstreet from 3-4 pm! Come talk with your peers, make stress...
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Mon, 10 Apr 2023 09:27:37 -0400
Drawing Connections: Prevention Demands Equity
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Every April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) calls
attention to the impact sexual violence has on our community and how we all
play a part in prevention.
The national theme of SAAM 2023 is “Drawing Connections:
Prevention Demands Equity.” The campaign recognizes sexual violence as both a
public health and social justice issue. Systems
of oppression such as racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, ageism, ableism,
and others contribute to higher rates of sexual harassment, assault, and abuse.
This year, we encourage you to examine and draw connections between various forms of oppression and
the underlying causes of sexual assault. In addition, explore how certain
groups of people are at higher risk for sexual violence and how those same
people are also the most impacted by inequitable systems and oppression in our
society.
This April don’t focus just on awareness but also action. We’re asking you to join us in building equity and respect
within our community. We
can help create change if we take the time to hear, understand, and recognize
one another.
Explore the UMBC departments and events that can help you
build skills towards prevention and equity. Pick from this
list at least one thing you can do to prevent sexual violence:
·
Attend
a Green Dot Bystander Intervention Training – April 28, 1-5 p.m.
·
Request
a Healthy Relationship Program/training for your student group or class.
·
Learn
how to Use Your Voice with
the Center for Democracy and Civic Life.
·
Stop by
the Mosaic to
learn about their services and events.
·
Attend Take Back the Night, the
Women’s Center’s annual SAAM event.
·
Attend
an I3b event, like I Am/ We Are April 19th, 5-6 p.m.
·
Participate
in Love Quest a
healthy relationship fact find this week!
·
Read
more about this year’s national SAAM theme and
how to discuss sexual violence and oppression.
]]>
Every April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) calls attention to the impact sexual violence has on our community and how we all play a part in prevention. The national theme of SAAM 2023...
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Mon, 03 Apr 2023 08:55:49 -0400
REPOST: How to Continue Making UMBC a Veteran Friendly Place
A message from our colleagues in Off-Campus Student Services. Original post here.
Monday, April 24, 2023 · Noon - 1 p.m.
Hybrid (Commons 328 & Webex)
Dear members of the UMBC community,
UMBC's Off-Campus Student Services is pleased to announce an important conversation for faculty, staff, and student leaders, focusing on how we as a campus can continue to become a more welcoming and supportive environment for military affiliated members of our community.
This conversation will be facilitated by Dr. Daniel P. Koster, Regional Coordinator of the VA's Veteran Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL) program. Dr. Koster looks forward to assisting us in our quest to take a proper inventory of where we stand with respect to our potential to serve our veterans, service members, and dependents.
If you would like to participate, please feel free to join us. Please RSVP here. Lunch will be served so please indicate any dietary restrictions. I can be reached at the following emails:
agetach1@umbc.edu or
veterans@umbc.edu
Mini Health Fair Series
Retriever Integrated Health Featured Today!
Wednesday, March 29, 2023 · 12 - 2 PM
The Commons : Mainstreet
Join the Office of Health Promotion and Retriever Integrated Health (RIH) as we provide information related to student health resources you can find on campus! Learn about how you can access RIH's mental health and physical health services.
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Feel Good Foods w/ Dining Services
Free Cherry Chamomile Refresher Samples
Thursday, March 30, 2023 · 12 - 2 PM
The Commons : Mainstreet
Join Dining Services, the university's dietitian, and the Office of Health Promotion as we recognize March as National Nutrition Month. Learn more about feel good foods that support a healthy diet and better sleep. Free samples of Cherry Chamomile Refresher will be available to participants.
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Love Quest
A Healthy Relationship Fact Find
Monday, April 3, 2023 at 9 AM - Friday, April 7, 2023 at 4 PM
Virtual or In-Person
Whether romantic, platonic, familial, or friend we all deserve healthy relationships! You can learn to love better by participating in this healthy relationship fact find. This hybrid fact find asks you to explore both virtual and in-person resources.
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Pop-Up: Beverage Bar
Tuesday, April 4, 2023 · 12 - 3 PM
The Center for Well-Being : 102
It’s time for our monthly Pop-Up Beverage Bar series! This month’s theme is community as prevention, so stop by the Office of Health Promotion to speak with our Peer Health Educators and learn about ways your community can help maintain and/or improve your health and well-being.
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Sex in the Dark
Queer Edition
Thursday, April 6, 2023 · 4 - 5:30 PM
University Center : Pride Center
Are you looking to start a relationship and want some advice? Do you and your partner want tips to keep your romance alive? Do you have questions related to your identity and potential sexual and/or romantic partners? Come ask our Sex-perts at Sex in the Dark!
The physical office space will be closed for the remainder of today.
]]>
Due to the campus wide power outage, the Office of Health Promotion staff will be working remotely for the remainder of the day starting at 3 p.m. The physical office space will be closed for...
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Tue, 14 Mar 2023 14:56:33 -0400
Thu, 16 Mar 2023 09:01:23 -0400
Pass the Sunscreen!
7 Tips for a Safe Spring Break
Whether choosing to stay in town or headed to places unknown, we want you and your friends to stay safe. Check out these tips for a safe Spring Break!
- Hydrate: Don’t wait until you are thirsty, prevent dehydration by drinking water throughout the day. You can also include hydrating foods into your diet. Consider eating some watermelon, bell peppers, or strawberries.
- Fun in the Sun: If you are planning to spend some time outdoors make sure to apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher! You can protect your skin from sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer by also staying in the shade, wearing sunglasses, and putting on a long-sleeved shirt.
- COVID-19 Awareness: Continue to take COVID-19 precautions by staying up to date on your vaccines and checking your travel destination for any health notices and guidelines.
- STI Protection: If sex is a possibility this Spring Break make sure to bring protection. Condoms are the only form of birth control that also prevent sexually transmitted infections. Internal and external condoms along with dental dams are free and available at the Office of Health Promotion.
- Consent is Mandatory: Make sure you and your partner(s) are on the same page. Don’t know how to have the conversations? Check out this article from Planned Parenthood on how to talk about consent and sexual activity.
- Alcohol Safety- If you are choosing to drink over break you can avoid self-injury or harm to others by sticking with the same group of friends, alternating water between alcoholic drinks, and staying within your limits. Learn more about UMBC's policy on substance misuse here.
- Attend our Event: Want to learn more? Make sure to stop by the Spring Break Kick Off this Wednesday from 12-2 p.m.
What are you doing this Spring Break?
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Supporting Students Experiencing Mental Health Distress
Monday, March 6, 2023 · 12 - 1:30 PM
Online Event
Join the Office of Health Promotion as we host a virtual workshop to help you identify the signs of mental health distress, provide strategies to support students in need, and connect students to available on-campus and off-campus resources. Participants will be able to ask questions and apply their knowledge during our breakout sessions near the end of the workshop.
Please RSVP by clicking on "Going Virtually" on the event page. Those who RSVP will receive the link via email to join the virtual workshop.
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Maryland and Delaware Stronger Communities
LGBTQ Suicide Prevention
Tuesday, March 7, 2023 · 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
On Campus
Stronger Communities: LGBTQ Suicide Prevention is a full-day conference sponsored by the Maryland and Delaware Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
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All About Women!
Women's Health Tabling
Wednesday March 8, 2023 · 12:00 PM - 1 PM
The Commons Mainstreet
In honor of Women’s International Day, come learn more about women’s sexual health and healthy relationships.
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Speed Friending
Commuter Student Week Continues!
Wednesday, March 8, 2023 · 4 - 6 PM
The Commons : Skylight Room
Join The Office of Health Promotion and UMBC Off-Campus Student Services this Wednesday March 8th from 4-6pm to make new connections!
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Spring Break Kick Off
The Commons: Mainstreet
Wednesday, March 15, 2023 · 12 - 2 PM
Helping you to have a safe Spring Break!
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Supporting Students Experiencing Mental Health Distress Monday, March 6, 2023 · 12 - 1:30 PM Online Event Join the Office of Health Promotion as we host a virtual workshop to help you...
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Mon, 06 Mar 2023 09:52:45 -0500
Directors Jasmine A. Lee and Samantha Smith present at NASPA
2023 Mental Health Conference
At the January 2023 NASPA* Mental Health Conference, Jasmine A. Lee, M.S.W., Ph.D., director of inclusive excellence and Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, and Belonging (i3b,) and Samantha Smith, Ph.D., M.P.H., CHES., director of the Office of Health Promotion presented on Community Conversations. Community Conversations is a collaborative program which advances health equity by embedding mental health prevention efforts within identity-based spaces. Community Conversations is an interactive event that helps students understand the role of community in supporting their well-being and mental health. The conversations also highlight what it means to "show up" for others.
The abstract for Lee and Smith's NASPA presentation states, "institutions often face challenges in providing mental health prevention efforts that specifically address marginalized populations when their health promotion teams are small. This session will provide an overview of a health promotion and identity-based area collaboration focused on advancing health equity and holistic campus mental well-being using dialogue. This session will report on the development and evaluation of an initiative to reduce stigma and promote community care among marginalized identity populations."
Smith was recently interviewed for the February 2023 Baltimore Sun Education supplement story, "Health and wellness initiatives create strong sense of community on campus."
Information about upcoming Community Conversations can be found in the Office of Health Promotion myUMBC group.
*NASPA is the national organization for student affairs administrators in higher education.
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At the January 2023 NASPA* Mental Health Conference, Jasmine A. Lee, M.S.W., Ph.D., director of inclusive excellence and Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, and Belonging (i3b,) and Samantha...
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Vice President for Student Affairs
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Mon, 06 Mar 2023 09:38:31 -0500