Audience: Young adults, adults

Time Needed: 30-45 minutes

Materials: Flip chart, easel, markers

Activity Description:

1. Ask participants to define what the word "intimate" means. Webster defines it as "close in friendship," "familiar," "close" as in an intimate or familiar friend.

2. Draw a line on the flip chart with "least intimate" at the beginning and "most intimate" at the end.

3. Ask participants to describe the different ways two people can be intimate with each other and to position them on the line according to how intimate they believe each activity to be.

4. When all suggestions have been positioned (you will most likely have sexual intercourse and oral sex at the "most intimate" level), ask participants which of those behaviors would be considered risky. From a health point of view, the behaviors rated most intimate are often the riskiest. Explain how many of the other behaviors listed could be less risky and can be just as pleasurable and satisfying. Participants should be made aware that the activities listed are not a step-by-step instruction to sexual intercourse. Discuss how some people skip the "getting to know you" activities and go directly to intercourse. This is why students must examine the ways they would feel comfortable being intimate and set their own boundaries for how far they are willing to go.

Possible activities to suggest to participants:

talking
skinny dipping
sleeping together (no sex)
teaching/learning a physical sport
showering
petting (be specific)
massage
kissing (be specific)
picnics
flirting
cooking for one another sharing pasts (aim for specific topics)
sharing dreams
crying