Honesty is a characteristic many people consider when searching for a partner. They want to make sure the person they are with will be straightforward, truthful and sincere. These traits are particularly important when it comes to the sexual aspect of a relationship. Sex is not only an expression of your passion and love, but an expression of trust. It is important to discuss each other's sexual histories before engaging in any sexual activity.

One reason it is important to discuss your and your partner's sexual history is to make sure you are not exposing yourself to certain health risks. You want to make sure that you are aware of any Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) your partner may have or has been exposed to. When it comes to engaging in sexual activity with another person, it is crucial to keep your health and safety in mind at all times.

It is important to not fully trust your partner early on in the relationship. When the relationship is fresh and new, it is easy to assume that you know this person and you will want to completely trust them. Be careful when doing so, and as Planned Parenthood (www.plannedparenthood.com) suggests, have your new partner earn your trust. A statistic to keep in mind from Planned Parenthood is that one out of three people will lie about their feelings and sexual history in order to engage in sex with someone. It is important to come into this relationship with your eyes and ears open, but make sure you open your heart more cautiously.

Once you feel prepared to have sex with your partner, consider using a condom. Your partner might try to tell you that he or she doesn't enjoy sex as much when you do not make immediate contact, but simply remind him or her that it's a small sacrafice to make for your health and safety. The discomfort of a sexually transmitted infection greatly outweights the annoyance brought forth by usuing a condom or similar protective device.

It is up to you to make sure you stay safe and healthy. You have to be proactive in obtaining the necessary information about your partner's sexual history and you should be insistent on the truth. In turn, you should be straightforward and truthful with your partner. As Planned Parenthood stresses, you need to rely on yourself when it comes to safe sex, because you cannot be one hundred percent positive of your partner's words. By keeping your safety close to heart, you will be able to protect yourself from many of the health risks involved with sex.