Our bodies are wired to protect us. Even before we fully understand a situation, our nervous system can alert us to danger. In sexual situations, this often shows up as physical resistance or an inability to become naturally aroused.

These reactions are not a reflection of your desires or “failure”, but rather your body saying, “This isn’t safe.” Some common signs include:

• Muscles tightening or resisting touch
• Feeling anxious, nervous, or nauseous
• Difficulty opening up/getting a erection, difficulty feeling natural arousal
• General discomfort or a sense of dread

These are part of the fight-or-flight response, a built-in mechanism designed to protect you from harm.

The key takeaway: if your body is resisting or signaling discomfort, consent is not present, no matter what someone else says or does. Your body’s responses are valid and important — they are a natural alarm system guiding you toward safety.

Trust your body. It knows.