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She Said Yes but Meant No
Of course, it would be better if she said YES and meant YES, but seriously, when does a person give consent to something? If YES doesn’t mean YES, we’re in trouble. Things get more complicated; it could also be that she said NO but meant YES. Or that she said NO but he took it as YES.
Anyway, the conversation around consent is a heavy one. It challenges longstanding perceptions and requires a more nuanced understanding. The notion that a verbal “yes” can sometimes mask an underlying “no” is a complex issue. It touches on the dynamics of power, persuasion, and autonomy within interpersonal relationships. Let’s try to learn more about the delicate balance between expressed consent and genuine willingness.
What does it mean to truly respect someone’s boundaries?
Sure, when someone is forced to say YES, that’s not consent, that’s coercion.
But what happens when someone is not forced but persuaded without any explicit threats or force?
Consider, for example, John and Joanna. They are in the early stages of their relationship. John expresses a desire to engage in a specific sexual activity, one that Joanna has clearly shown no interest in. Despite her repeated refusals, John persists, framing her reluctance as a lack of affection for him. Under pressure, Joanna gives in. Does the eventual agreement come…
