Love, respect, and protection

Emotional life: emotions, attachments, and respect

Emotional life is not limited to sexuality. It concerns our emotions, our friendships, romantic relationships, and family relationships. It is marked by the need to love and be loved, to feel recognized and accepted.

For students, this quest often involves first major relationships, breakups, and relationships that are sometimes idealized or, conversely, experienced with uncertainty. Everyone moves at their own pace: some seek a stable relationship, while others prefer experiences or adventures. No one way is better than another, as long as there is respect for oneself and others.

Respect is the key. This means listening to the other person’s desires, respecting their “no” as well as their “yes,” accepting differences in pace or needs, and building a relationship based on trust and communication.

Sexuality: diversity and freedom

Sexuality is multifaceted. It can be experienced alone, in a couple, heterosexually, homosexually, bisexually, or in other ways. It can be tender, playful, sensual, passionate. It can begin early or late, vary over time, and evolve with experience.

There is no standard to conform to: sexuality is a personal and unique experience. But it must always be guided by two fundamental pillars: consent and protection.

Consent, the basis of any relationship

Consent means clearly saying “yes” or ‘no’ to a sexual relationship, without pressure or manipulation. It is a mutual, free, and informed agreement. The absence of refusal is not a “yes.” Everyone must feel free to change their mind at any time.

Learning to express your desires and limits is essential. Consent does not kill spontaneity: on the contrary, it strengthens trust and shared pleasure.

Protecting yourself: a shared responsibility

Protection has two aspects:

• Prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs): condoms remain the most effective means of protection against HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, herpes, and many others. They are available in male and female versions and can be obtained free of charge from university health centers or associations.

• Contraception: pill, implant, patch, ring, IUD, condom… There are many methods, some reserved for women, others for both sexes. The choice depends on your needs and situation, and can be made with the help of a doctor or midwife.

Illustration taken from Pictologue, created by Smerra, consisting of 60 illustrations designed to facilitate discussions with young people.

Protecting yourself also means getting tested regularly, especially if you have multiple partners. Testing is free and anonymous at CeGIDD (free information, testing, and diagnosis centers).

🔎 ZOOM ON

Smerra regularly distributes condoms in student circles.

Managing pressure and perceptions

As with addictions, emotional and sexual life is influenced by peer groups, the media, and society. Movies, social media, and pornography sometimes present an unrealistic image of the body, pleasure, or romantic relationships. These representations can create complexes, guilt, or unrealistic expectations.

It is important to keep things in perspective: every body is different, every story is unique. Pleasure and intimacy cannot be reduced to performance or imposed models.

Talking about it to move forward

Talking to your partner, a trusted friend, or a professional (doctor, school nurse, midwife, psychologist) can help answer your questions and make informed decisions.

Specialized organizations such as family planning clinics, university health centers, and CeGIDD centers offer free and anonymous listening, information, and support services.