Looking for healthy ways to talk to your partner about having sex? Don't wait until Valentine's Day to have the talk! Here are some convo starters.

Love is (almost) in the air with Valentine's Day right around the corner. Whether or not you are in love, chances are you might be thinking about having sex - with someone new or with someone you've had sex with before. 

Even if you've had sex with someone before, it's important to check in with them every time you are thinking about sex to make sure you are on the same page. In other words, make sure you're both excitedly saying "YES!" to sex and not just saying "maybe" or not saying anything at all. Not sure how to start the conversation? Here are some ideas:

1. "I've been thinking a lot about our relationship and I'm really attracted to you. How are you feeling about our relationship?"
2. "Can I ask you a personal question? How would you feel about taking our relationship to the next level...physically?" 
3. "It's really important to me that I'm honest with you about my feelings and I want you to feel the same way. I think I'm ready to have sex. How are you feeling?"

ALTERNATIVELY, if you are NOT ready to have sex with your partner, it's important to be honest about your feelings and boundaries. Here are some ideas for conversation starters:

1. "It's important to me that I'm honest with you always. I'm not ready to have sex anytime soon. If my feelings change I will let you know."
2. "I care about you a lot and I'm really attracted to you, but I'm just not ready to commit to having sex with you or anyone at this point."
3. "I want to make sure we are on the same page when it comes to having sex. I'm not ready yet. How are you feeling?"

The bottom line is that in all relationships - no matter how committed or casual they may be - there needs to be honest communication and respect. Learn more on healthy relationships here.