Success Story on HIV/AIDS

1. Be open and honest. Communication is vital in a situation like this that concerns health and safety. Do not underemphasize your feelings about the situation. Explain honestly why you are concerned and why you feel your husband’s sexual habits are unhealthy. If they are encouraging you to do something that you are uncomfortable with, be open about your reservations and explain exactly why you don’t want to do it.

2. Have accurate information ready. If your husband’s sexual habits are dangerous or put either of you at risk for contracting a sexually transmitted disease, get the basic facts before you talk to your husband. This will help inform both of you and will help your husband understand why you are concerned. If the sexual habits are not dangerous but are still things that you are uncomfortable with, do some research on the number of couples that actively participate in these behaviors to let your husband see that the behaviors you are uncomfortable with do not have to be a part of your relationship for it to be enjoyable.

3.Suggest new things that the two of you can try as a couple that would be safe but still exciting and that both of you will be comfortable with. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, take the initiative and try one of these alternatives as a surprise. This will keep the spark in your relationship, keep the sex exciting and show your husband that there are alternatives that both of you can be happy with.

4. Get professional help. Couples counseling can help you explore why you are not comfortable with the behavior and help your husband explain why he feel the need to do it anyway. Having an objective third party may be the key to helping your husband understand why you are discouraging these behaviors.

5. Protect yourself. You have the right to refuse to participate in activities or behaviors that you feel are unsafe or that you are uncomfortable with. If you have discussed your husband’s sexual habits with him and tried to discourage them in every way possible and they persist, it might be time to consider leaving. You can’t force your husband to change his sexual habits, but you can refuse to be a part of them and take care of yourself (http://www.clubfemina.com).