Non-monogamy (having more than one sXual partner) carries extra risk for STI/STDs. No matter what type of non-monogamy you practice, the more partners involved in your network, the more risk you have for catching something that could stick with you for the rest of your life. For those who have multiple partners, there are also the considerations of others you are intimate with. Whether you are open with your other partners about being non-monogamous or not (or to what degree) is a seperate discussion on ethics. Here, the ethics center around our other partners being able to choose what risks they are exposed to, and being able to give truly informed consent to those risks. STI/STDs are not just passed via intercourse, but also through things that used to be considered safer, like kissing. HSV-1 & 2 are both able to be passed through oral or genital contact, including open mouthed kissing. And we've all heard the somewhat infamous story about Michael Douglas coming down with throat/tongue cancer, likely from his love of cunnilingus, right?? Find local STI testing now As we are all finding out thanks to COVID-19, public health information is rarely complete, and continues to evolve as scientists learn more, and better studies get done. I know that some things have changed from when I first learned about STI/STDs, such as how herpes can be spread asymptomatically, and does not require a person to be having an active outbreak to spread it. Some people never know they have herpes because they never had an outbreak, and doctors usually don't test for it unless you specifically ask for it. Why am I bringing this up? Because I think it's important to know what risks you are encountering if you decide to pursue any non-monogamous relationships. This foundation of knowledge can help to define the boundaries you need for yourself, mitigate the risks to yourself and your parnters, and communicate/navigate implimenting those needs in your relationships. Because I am non-monogamous myself, these are practices I am more familiar with, and want people to know I am someone you can come to talk about these concerns with, openly and honestly. I may not always have all the answers, but I want to help you find the answers you need, and learn to practice what you need in order to feel safe in all of your encounters. Want to learn more? • John's Hopkins Safer sX Guidelines • Planned Parenthood: Safer sX: reducing your risks of getting STDs • Safer Sex Guide by Whitman-Walker Health & Human Rights Campaign Foundation (may not be secure) • Our Bodies Ourselves Today: Safer Sex Articles Educational images below: must be at least 18 or over to view Got any favorite safer sX tips?? Resources? What ways you have found to be helpful in navigating safer sX with new partners? Share your experiences below, and pay it forward to others who may just be learning!

Original recipe:https://www.coeurdexocolat.com/hot-chocolate-port-drink Ingredients • 40g dark chocolate, at least 70% cocoa solids • 600ml ruby port • 30g caster sugar • A large pinch of plain flour Method • Pour the port into a saucepan. • Break up the chocolate into small chunks and add to the saucepan. • Add the sugar to the saucepan. Alcohol goes bitter when you heat it so you may need more to taste. • Whisk in the flour. • Cook over a low heat for 10 minutes, until small bubbles form around the edge. Do not boil. • Whisk the mix together. • Pour into your favourite (sic) cups or a chocolate pot if you have one. • Drink whilst it’s still hot. What I did: ½ - ⅔ c espresso dark chocolate chips 1 bottle Sandman Reserve Ruby Port ¼ c. sugar (could use less next time? To taste at end…) 1 t. + flour I mixed flour with sugar, whisked into port, then added chocolate to warm while stirring frequently. Top with whipped cream. Serve with biscuits or biscotti, and citrus sparkling water (no sugar) to balance richness. Port Wine Hot Chocolate

For awhile I have lamented about the limited ways in which we have in our language to express love...then today I stumbled across this article: 9 Different Types of Love According to the Ancient Greeks How would having these options taught to you as love growing up have altered your relationships? Your ability to communicate? Your choices? Your understanding of your own emotions?? I doubt there will ever be enough words to truly convey every nuance or idea we have perfectly (because communication requires so many skills beyond just word choice...), but the more options we have, the better our chances. 💘💙💕💚💓💛💖💜💞🖤💝 #love #relationships