PILLOW TALK
BY MEREDITH BAKER
Hey UHallers! So it’s finally gotten cold, school work suddenly intensified, and everyone is looking forward to a break. Whether you will find yourself home for the first time since you left for college, or you’ll finally have your apartment all to yourself for a few days, I’ve compiled a few tips about love, relationships, and yes, safer sex, to help you get the most out of the thanksgiving holiday.
Headed Home
Suitcase already packed? Can’t wait to get back to your own bed again, far away from your crazy roommate and the constant shuffle that is New York City? Dying to see your friends again? Maybe there is someone in particular that you can’t wait to jump into bed with and beat the chilly temperatures?
Well for those of you who have someone waiting at home, here are a few tips that might make your time together a little more enjoyable.
1. Condoms DO expire! Before you wrap up with one of those condoms that you left in your drawer before you went away to school, check the expiration date.
2. A lot of time may have passed since you’ve been home. Don’t be surprised to find out that your partner may have changed a bit since you last saw them. Chances are, so have you.
3. It’s important to check in with your partner, not only as a friend about how they’ve been since you last got together, but also whether or not they’ve had any other partners, and if they’ve been STI tested.
4.Part of experiencing new things is that your likes and dislikes may change. You may find that your partner has different needs now than when you last met. It’s important to be open to these needs and communicate your likes and dislikes as well.
Staying in NYC
Sweet! All four of your roommates are going back to California, Indiana, and who knows where Montana, meaning you will finally get some alone time! Here are some resources you might want to know about to help you get the most out of your new private room.
1. Though I will not be here to cater to your every safer sex supplies need, there IS and RA on duty who has free safer sex supplies so don’t hesitate to stop by their room and ask for what you need.
2. Also, the Student Health Center is still in operation for most of the week, but they will be closed early on Wednesday (5pm) and will remain closed through Sunday.
3. Having your room to yourself can be a great opportunity to spend some time doing the things that you don’t feel comfortable doing when your roommate/suitemates are home. Eliminating the fear of a roommate walking in on you might make things like self-exploration and exploration of your partner much more relaxing and enjoyable.
4. The Guest policy over the break remains the same as always so no worries about any of your overnight guests.
Hope you all have a fantastic thanksgiving break! Pillow Talk will be taking next Sunday off, as I will be home in Chicago trying to stay warm, but we will return the following week 12/7 for another exciting topic so if you do have questions, PUT THEM IN THE BOX! Or if it is something more immediate, feel free to email uhallsexpert@yahoo.com and I can get back to you asap.
Stay safe and stay well rested!
Want to know more about a pressing sexual health issue? Have a question you’d like to see answered? Ask Meredith! Place your question in the Ask Meredith Box in front of the mailboxes and read Pillow Talk each Sunday night to learn more about the sexual health issues that UHall is asking about.
ALSO Meredith now has NEW OFFICE HOURS! Join her each Sunday from 5pm-7pm in room 808A for Hot Cocoa and Questions!