Let's talk about ... sex.

Seriously. We live in a modern world. I started my sexual activity in the days before Herpes was a major player, saw the beginnings of the AIDS rampage, have worked in Safe Sex areas (packing condoms for Mardi Gras, for instance), and have educated friends and family on these issues.

But there comes a time in every relationship where you need to have The Talk. Unless you're a pair of complete virgins who truly have never come into contact intimately with another human being, you need to talk with your future sexual partner about safe sex, possible history (if it's relevant), and birth control (also, if relevant).

There was a recent post on Smart Bitches, Trashy Books about a couple in a future-world having "that talk", and the reviewer commented that the dialogue sounded "totally awkward". Although both the reviewer and I are glad that at least the couple discussed things, however awkwardly, before the rumpy-pumpy started.

So I ask you - how did you broach the subject with someone? What were the stumbling words you used, or did you just cross your fingers and hope all would be well? Was it a mumbled "look in the bedroom drawer", or a blatant "Do you have supplies or shall I bring them?" You can be anonymous if you'd like - I'm just highly curious. Give me a really bad example, the one you're proudest of, or take this as a reminder that when the time comes, the subject has to be raised, discussed and agreed upon.

If you want to be anonymous, I've switched off the IP logging.

And while this isn't one of my own examples, I am always grateful for Kaz Cooke's take on it in a cartoon, where Hermione the Modern Woman is confronted by a rather gorgeous man.

Man: Let me make wonderful, glorious love to you all night long...

Hermione: And what sort of a girl do you think I am????

Man: I've got condoms *big smile*

Hermione: TAKE OFF YOUR CLOTHES!