When you are faced with many options in front of us, but told to choose an option that you don’t want, you may have to provide reasons why or try to come to a common ground. This is called negotiation.
​
Here are a few steps to help you negotiate successfully.
  • Know what you want and how to describe it.
  • Let the other person know what is acceptable and what is not.
  • Bring up clear and rational ideas that support your choice.
  • Try to understand the other person’s point of view to see which part you can agree with.
  • Look for ways to compromise that are acceptable to you.
  • In the end, come to an agreement OR be prepare to give a clear “No” message if you unable to negotiate an agreement that is acceptable to you.
 
In your relationship, your partner may one day decide to be sexually intimate, when you are not ready.
How can you say “No” to sexual pressure? 
  • Say “No”. Use the word out loud and in a firm voice.
  • Use body language that support a “No” message.
  • Repeat if you need to.
  • Suggest an alternative, negotiate something healthier and safer to do instead.
  • If the situation becomes violent, or you are afraid it may be, leave or go to a more public area.
​​