Mike DomitrzPresident, Author, and Speaker on Respect, The Center for Respect, Inc. · Author & Speaker on Respect for Schools, Corporations, & the Military since 1990 (has reached

3 Things to Say Before You Kiss Someone (Consent Education That Actually Works)

4 Sept 2026 · 1 min

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1:07

In this instructional monologue, the speaker outlines a three‑step conversational framework for obtaining consent before a kiss. First, they recommend asking the partner if they feel a connection, emphasizing non‑assumption and openness to any answer. Second, if the connection is affirmed, they suggest directly asking, “Would you like to kiss?” and waiting respectfully for the response, treating a “no” as valuable information rather than rejection. Third, they advise enjoying the kiss in the moment without projecting future expectations, reinforcing that consent is an ongoing, present‑focused process rather than a scripted checklist. The speaker concludes with a call to action for educators and institutions to adopt this approach through training. The overall tone is instructional and supportive, aiming to change behavior by providing concrete language and mindset shifts around consent.

Chapters

3 things to say when you want to kiss someone. Number 1, ask, are you feeling the connection? Here's why this works. You're not assuming, you're not pushing, you're opening the door. And you have to be genuinely open to whatever they say, because honoring their answer is the whole point of asking in the first place. Number 2, if they are feeling that connection and you want to kiss them, not because you feel like you have to kiss them, but because you actually want to, you ask, would you like to kiss? Then you wait and you respect the answer, whatever it is. Remember, no No is not them being mean. No is information, and it deserves the same respect as a yes. Number 3, and this is the one people miss, enjoy the kiss for what it is. Don't assume it means anything more. They didn't agree to anything more. So stop living in your head about what happens next, what do I need to do, and be right there in the moment of the kiss. Because consent isn't a script you rush through to get somewhere. It's how you build something mutually amazing. This is the how-to. This is what actually changes behavior. If you want your students, your campus, your unit to learn more about this, reach out. Let's talk.