Consent Isn’t Just for Sex: It's Bigger than the Bedroom

In this episode of Unzipping Taboos, we talk about consent as something that lives far beyond sex—and how often it gets missed in everyday interactions. We explore what consent looks like in friendships, workplaces, classrooms, healthcare settings, and long-term relationships, especially in moments where it’s easy to assume instead of ask. From scrolling through someone’s, to sharing private conversations, to touching someone casually, or continuing an argument when the other person is pulling away—we unpack how often boundaries are crossed without anyone naming it. We talk about implied consent, power dynamics, and why “I didn’t mean harm” isn’t the same thing as having consent. We dig into non-verbal cues, withdrawal, and the importance of taking a beat when someone goes quiet, steps back, or needs space—even when that feels uncomfortable. We also discuss consent in healthcare and elder care, where autonomy and privacy are often overlooked, and why consent still matters even when there’s a baseline duty of care. This conversation is about noticing patterns, unlearning habits, and practicing consent as an ongoing process—not a one-time checkbox. As we say, this isn’t about shame or judgement. It’s about awareness, responsibility, and learning how to respect boundaries in meaningful ways that build trust and connection. If you have a story, thoughts and/or a topic or question for Dr. Sue and Charlie please share your ideas here: ⁠Show suggestions If you want to ask Dr Sue a sex question for the weekly Q&A you can submit it here: Ask a question