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We talked to young people about sexual consent. They understand the concept, but they don’t always ask in the moment

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For several years now, sexual consent has been a serious topic of interest in Australia.

In early 2022, the federal government ordered in-school learning with students’ consent. This includes information about what consent is and the way to ensure a consensual relationship.

Across Australia, 4 states (Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania) and the Australian Capital Territory have now adopted affirmative consent laws. Although the exact wording of the regulations varies by jurisdiction, affirmative consent may be defined as the need for “each person involved in a sexual act to take steps to say or do something to determine whether the other person(s) involved consents to the sexual act.”

There were also vital campaigns, e.g Have no doubts campaign in New South Wales to educate about secure, enjoyable and consensual sex.

One of the challenges with sexual consent education is determining the way it translates into real-life situations. As part broader research In searching for to answer this query, we wanted to understand how young heterosexual men and girls understand and practice consent.

Our latest study found that although participants mostly understood the concept of affirmative consent, they didn’t always put it into practice on the spur of the moment.



Understanding sexual consent

Our study included a mixed group of 44 men and girls aged 18 to 35 who were in a relationship, dating or single. We talked to them in focus groups and presented a wide range of heterosexualities sexual consent vignettes (scenarios) to discuss.

We wanted to understand how participants thought characters should take care of such situations and the way they would take care of such scenarios themselves. The scenarios were designed to be somewhat ambiguous and didn’t provide a transparent, correct answer.

An example of a vignette we used was Julia and Marek. They meet for drinks on their first date and there is robust chemistry between them. They find yourself at Julia’s, where she tells him that she wants to take it slow and won’t have sex that night. They start kissing and they each start shedding layers of garments. Mark hesitates, unsure whether to proceed, and Julia is unsure how to signal her interest in other sorts of intimacy after establishing a boundary.

Affirmative consent is now the law in most Australian jurisdictions.
Anastazja Shurayeva/Pexels

In addition to the vignettes, we asked participants to share, amongst other things, their understanding of the concept of consent and their thoughts on gender expectations related to dating and sex.

Participants demonstrated a full understanding of consent practices in line with the affirmative consent framework. This includes understanding that each one parties are responsible with the consent of all parties involved. Danny, a 23-year-old man, said:

It’s like equal responsibility in my eyes.

Participants also noted that easy, open communication combined with consistent verbal validation is very important. As Abigail, a 26-year-old woman, said:

Both parties need to actively engage and test boundaries over time.

Theory versus reality

Even though they appeared to understand the principles of affirmative consent, participants responded in a different way when presented with different scenarios. Instead of drawing attention to equal responsibility, most participants believed that in the scenarios men were answerable for obtaining consent and girls were answerable for giving it.

When discussing the scenarios, participants emphasized the need to avoid assumptions and encourage open communication. But this angle modified as we discussed personal experiences and sexual consent. In this case, participants expected their partners to understand typical boundaries during sexual encounters, suggesting a shared sense of what’s “normal.”

In fact, participants believed that following good sexual communication practices could reduce the pleasure of sexual encounters. Some admitted that although they knew the ideal approach, they didn’t always stick to it. As Alice, a 25-year-old woman, said:

Everything goes well and we make up after which it moves to the bedroom and the whole lot just seems to flow and I feel comfortable not necessarily having to openly have this conversation from time to time.

Lenore, a 28-year-old woman, said:

Sometimes a conversation can almost destroy the atmosphere, like when the moment is (…) really hot and passionate and also you’re giving all of them the signals and they’re providing you with all the signals, after which he said, “So I just want to hang out for a while.” contact you,’ and I used to be like, ‘Dude, come on, let’s just do it.’

Jeremy, a 34-year-old man, said:

I recurrently ask someone if they’re having time, , “are you okay,” “are you okay,” and the response I get is, “No, you ruined the moment,” which I discovered quite embarrassing when someone who firmly believes in ensuring that there’ll always be consent.

Two hands form a heart shape before sunset.
In recent years, there was a greater emphasis on consensual education.
Mayura Gala/Unsplash

Participants also indicated that affirmative consent is more vital in some sexual situations than in others. Discussing certainly one of the vignettes, Lenore said:

It would really rely on what he (the character in the script) was trying, truthfully he sort of flipped me over and threw me right into a latest position, like, yes, do this. If he hit me in the face during sex without explaining it first, no. It depends entirely on what it’s and the way it is completed.

Implications

Our study is comparatively small and can’t be generalized to the wider Australian population. We also focused exclusively on consent in heterosexual relationships.

Nevertheless, our study provides some insight into how young men and girls may take care of consent during sex. The results don’t mean that education about sexual consent is ineffective. Rather, they point to a big gap between knowledge and application of this information.

Our findings also point to a broader and more complex issue: the need for a whole-of-society approach to rethinking sexual communication and consent. One in five women have experienced sexual violence, suggesting deeper problems with men’s entitlement and social attitudes towards women. Focusing on the consent of sexual partners is a technique to change attitudes.



Sexual encounters often involve complex layers of emotions and experiences influenced by culture, religion, and other aspects, with elements equivalent to shame, pleasure, joy, uncertainty, fear, and anxiety.

Understanding the complex variables that influence decision-making in these contexts is critical to creating educational resources that help people navigate sexual consent in a wide range of situations.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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Health and Wellness

Essence of the week: Cherry Blossom EDT L’Occitane is a fragrance inspired by spring, perfect for any season – Essence

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We all know L’Occitane almond shower oil gets a lot of love – and for good reason (I’m taking a look at you #BeautyTok).

But there is one other gem of this brand that deserves just as much attention: Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette. Since its launch in 2007, this fragrance has remained a favorite amongst my group of friends, appreciated for its delicate and refined elegance. To be honest, I feel this is what L’Occitane is known for as a brand. And although this scent is often related to the airy freshness of spring, it is a scent that brings a touch of beauty and heat to any season.

The first spritz of Cherry Blossom EDT is soft and alluring, with a subtle hint of cherry and freesia that feels fresh without overdoing it. It’s light and uplifting, like the kind of scent you employ when you would like to feel good but not an excessive amount of (like me most days). As it settles on my skin, notes of cherry blossom and lily of the valley bloom, striking the perfect balance of femininity without feeling overly sweet or dated. There’s nothing heavy or “old school floral” about this scent – it’s fresh, modern and understated in a way that feels sophisticated.

What really makes this fragrance stand out is the base. Brazilian rosewood, amber and musk give it a soft warmth that wraps you want your favorite cashmere scarf. It’s cozy but never heavy, beautifully balancing the delicate flowers. The overall effect is a scent that feels effortlessly polished – the olfactory equivalent of “quiet luxury.”

I do know, I do know – cherry blossoms evoke spring, but that is why this scent works so well all 12 months round. In the colder months, it is a refreshing break from heavy, spicy scents. I mean, I like my ouds and cognacs, but no… Bright notes of cherry and freesia bring a breath of fresh air, while warm base notes of amber and musk give the composition a comforting, grounded feel. It’s like carrying a little bit of spring with you, even when the weather is not sunny. And given the conflicting rumors we’re hearing – at the very least on the East Coast – about how much snow will fall this season, you would possibly just should keep it in your radar.

Why I find it irresistible: While everyone gravitates towards the Almond L’Occitane collection, their EDT Cherry Blossom has turn out to be an unexpected favorite of mine that I still reach for. What I like most about it is how versatile it is. It’s lightweight enough to accommodate skilled meetings or running errands during the day, but still feels special enough for dinner dates or quiet moments at home. The way it evolves on the skin – from a fresh, floral burst to a soft, warm texture – makes it feel personal, like a fragrance created just for you. It’s not flashy or trendy, but that is what makes it timeless.

Perfect pairs: As an eau de toilette, Cherry Blossom advantages greatly from thoughtful layering that highlights its delicate character and prolongs its presence throughout the day. And because Cherry Blossom has a softer sillage, it’s perfect for on a regular basis wear. If you would like to extend its durability or make it a bit more dynamic, layering is the best solution. Start with L’Occitane Cherry Blossom Shower Oil to create a fragrant base, then follow with the Shimmering Body Milk for extra depth and hydration.

If you wish to mix and match, pair Cherry Blossom EDT with complementary fragrances. Kayali Vanilla 28 adds a cozy sweetness that blends beautifully with the floral notes, while Commodity Milk+ brings out the creamy warmth of the base. On the fun side, the marshmallow and ambrette notes of Ellis Brooklyn SWEET add a delicate, sweet touch that prolongs the persistence of the cherry blossom accord. Spray the fragrance base first, let it settle, after which top with cherry blossom for a custom scent that can last all day.

EDT Cherry Blossom by L’Occitane is a masterclass in subtle sophistication. Founder Olivier Baussan put it perfectly: “It is because cherry blossoms fly away with the first breath of spring that they are so rare and precious.” This fragrance captures ephemeral beauty in a bottle. Final Verdict: If you appreciate fragrances that whisper slightly than shout, that talk of sophistication slightly than trends, L’Occitane’s Cherry Blossom EDT is value considering. It’s the olfactory equivalent of finding the perfect light – subtle, beautiful and absolutely fascinating.

Fragrance is deeply personal, but some fragrances gain universal appeal due to their masterful composition. This is one of them.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

You don’t have to add sugar to your cranberry sauce this holiday season – a food scientist explains how to cook with less sweeteners

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Holidays are stuffed with tasty and filling dishes and drinks. It’s hard to resist dreams of cookies, special cakes, wealthy meats and exceptionally spicy additions.

Many of the healthy ingredients utilized in holiday dishes could be overshadowed by sugar and starch. While adding extra sugar could also be tasty, it isn’t necessarily good for your metabolism. Understanding the food and cuisine science behind what you cook means you may make a few changes to a recipe and still have a delicious dish that won’t loaded with sugar.

Especially for those who’re someone with type 1 diabetes, the vacations can come with an additional layer of stress and soaring blood glucose levels. However, this just isn’t the time to despair – it’s the vacations in spite of everything.

Cranberries are a seasonal, tasty fruit that could be tweaked in recipes to make them more Type 1 diabetic-friendly – or friendly to anyone searching for a sweet dish without the added sugar.

I’m a food scientist and sort 1 diabetes. Understanding food composition, ingredient interactions, and metabolism literally saved my life.

Type 1 diabetes has been defined

Type 1 diabetes it lasts all day, without sleep breaks, without holidays and weekends, without remission and without cure. Type 1 diabetes don’t produce insulin, a hormone essential for all times, which promote the absorption of glucose, i.e. sugar, into cells. Glucose in your cells then provides the body with energy on the molecular level.

Therefore, people with type 1 diabetes take insulin injections using an insulin pump attached to their bodies and hopefully it really works well enough to stabilize our blood sugar levels and metabolism, minimize health complications over time, and keep us alive.

Type 1 diabetics have in mind mainly type and amount of carbohydrates in food when determining how much insulin to take, but in addition they need to understand the interactions of proteins and fats in food to use it, or bolusappropriately.

Apart from insulin, type 1 diabetics don’t produce one other hormone, amylin, which slows down gastric motility. This means food moves faster through our digestive tract and we regularly feel very hungry. Foods high in fat, protein and fiber can keep you from feeling hungry for a while.

Cranberries, a seasonal snack

Cranberries are native to North America and grow well within the northeastern and midwestern states, where they’re in season from late September through December. They dominate holiday tables everywhere in the country.

Cranberries are a classic Thanksgiving side dish, but cranberry sauce tends to be high in sugar.
bhofack2/iStock via Getty Images

One cup of whole, raw cranberries comprises 190 calories. They are composed of 87% water, trace amounts of protein and fat, 12 grams of carbohydrates and just over 4 grams of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber combines well with water, which is sweet for digestive health and might slow the rise in blood glucose levels.

Cranberries are tall IN potassiumwhich helps maintain electrolyte balance and cell signaling, in addition to other essential nutrients similar to antioxidants, beta-carotene AND vitamin C. They also contain vitamin Kwhich helps in healthy blood clotting.

The taste and aroma of cranberries comes from compounds present in fruits similar to cinnamates, which add a hint of cinnamon, vanillin for a vanilla note, benzoates AND Benzaldehydethat tastes like almonds.

Cranberries are high in pectin, a soluble starch that forms a gel and is used as a binding agent in making jams and jellies, in order that they thicken easily with minimal cooking. Their beautiful jewel tone red color belongs to a class of compounds called anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins with which they’re associated treating certain forms of infections.

They also contain phenols, that are protective compounds produced by the plant. These compounds, which appear like rings on the molecular level, interact with proteins within the saliva, causing a dry and tight feeling that causes the mouth to pucker. Similarly, the so-called benzoic acid naturally occurring in cranberries, it adds sourness to the fruit.

These chemical components make them extremely sour and bitter and difficult to eat raw. To moderate these flavors and effects, most cranberry recipes call for plenty of sugar.

All this extra sugar could make cranberry dishes difficult for type 1 diabetics to devour since the sugars cause blood glucose levels to rise quickly.

Cranberries without sugar?

Type 1 diabetics – or anyone looking to limit their sugar intake – can try some cooking tactics to reduce their sugar intake while still having fun with this holiday treat.

Don’t cook the cranberries too long once they pop. You’ll still have a sticky cranberry liquid without having to add a lot of sugar, because cooking concentrates a number of the bitter compounds, making them more visible within the dish.

A row of spoons, each filled with a pile of powdered spice.
Adding spices to cranberries can improve the flavour of the dish without the added sugar.
klenova/iStock via Getty Images

The addition of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg and other warming spices gives the dish a depth of flavor. Adding heat with hot chili pepper it might make a cranberry dish more complex while reducing sourness and astringency. Adding salt can reduce the bitterness of cranberries, so you will not need a lot of sugar.

For a richer flavor and glossy quality, add butter. The butter also moisturizes the lips, which reinforces the natural tartness of the dish. Other fats, similar to cream or coconut oil, also work.

Adding chopped walnuts, almonds or hazelnuts may decelerate the absorption of glucose, so your blood glucose levels may not rise as quickly. Some recent forms of sweeteners, similar to allulosethey taste sweet but don’t raise blood sugar levels and require minimal or no insulin. Allulose has GRAS – Generally Regarded as Safe – status within the US but just isn’t approved as an additive in Europe.

During the holiday season, you may easily reduce the quantity of sugar added to cranberry dishes and revel in the health advantages without spikes in blood glucose levels.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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Health and Wellness

Willow Smith’s debut collection with Moncler is now available – Essence

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Moncler

Willow Smith’s debut collection with Moncler has been launched. The capsule is a mixture of the inside of a musician, actress, writer and creator. In it, a futuristic and unbelievable world is explored through clothes. Smith’s personal style was also showcased. The lineup was originally revealed in Shanghai.

Willow Smith's debut collection with Moncler is now available
Moncler

“Minimalism and utilitarianism. Femininity and masculinity. Black and white. “Putting ideas together in an elegant way is something that really excites me and I wanted to explore that with this collection,” Willow shared.

“Willow’s magnetic energy is captured in a series of images exploring the primary themes of the collection: clashing contrasts, rebirth and renewal, yin and yang, recent beginnings – inspired by Moncler’s mountain origins and love of nature. “Willow’s creativity influences every aspect of the videos and photos accompanying the collection: she not only drives the concept, but also models her designs, narrates the short film and provides the soundtrack,” the brand said in a press release. The launch is accompanied by black and white campaign photos – the dramatization of those photos ushers in an exciting era for Smith.

Willow Smith's debut collection with Moncler is now available
Moncler

The collection is dominated by knitwear perfect for layering, a down jacket and heavy sweatshirts created in shrunken proportions. The capsule is accomplished with extensive outerwear options and a brief-sleeved T-shirt with silver eyelet. The T-shirt is also available in an extended-sleeved version. The collection includes cream and black shades. The down vest with a hood and a brief cut stands out.

Salix leather boots are characterised by an interesting design. In addition to nodding to punk influences, this footwear option is designed with a Moncler logo on the toe, elastic panels on the front and a rubber sole.

Willow Smith's debut collection with Moncler is now available
Moncler

“I am incredibly passionate about the outdoors and exploring this wonderful land. I imagine these pieces can easily transition from overnight camping to fashionable evening wear,” Willow added, emphasizing the natural duality of the collection.

Moncler X Willow Smith is currently available in chosen Moncler stores and more moncler.com .

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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