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

The fear of asking isn't really about rejection. It's about not knowing how to handle the answer.

6 Mar 2026 · 1 min

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In this brief YouTube monologue, Mike Domitrz challenges the common belief that asking for consent—specifically, asking "Can I kiss you?"—spoils romance. He argues that the act of asking actually enhances the moment by showing respect, and that handling a possible "no" is manageable and even beneficial. Domitrz frames the fear of rejection as a barrier, but emphasizes that a respectful answer, whether yes or no, improves the night because it honors the partner’s comfort.

Chapters

If your partner who you want to kiss all night leans in and is like, can I kiss you? Is this ruining your night or is it making it? Seriously, which one? It's making it. The myth, everything you've been taught about asking for consent is a myth. It's going to ruin the moment? You're going to love that moment. Who are you kidding? Well, I'm afraid of rejection. But here's the wild part. If I ask, can I kiss you? And you say no, I can handle it well. I can go, you know what? Then I'm glad I asked. Last thing I want to do is make you feel uncomfortable. Could this night be in better shape right now than it ever was that night, by the way? Yes or no? Yes. Because I respected your answer.