[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/kiss_you.jpg” caption=”Corinna Fitzgerald, judicial affairs co-ordinator, left, and Heidi Bednar, residence manager. Photo credit: Eileen Liu”]”Would you like a kiss?” was the question asked in the McMaster University Student Centre. But those who stop at the Kissing Booth won't get any ordinary kiss; they'll get commitment-free chocolate candy kisses.

Most people do not ask their partner before engaging in intimacy. But the far majority of individuals love being asked. Handing out chocolate at the Kissing Booth is just one way the McMaster community is promoting communication and respect in dating relationships.

“Lack of communication and respect is a common issue in almost all dating relationships,” says Cathy O'Donnell, sergeant crime prevention & campus community relations, with Security Crime Prevention. “We want to take a proactive approach to educating students about dating.”

To do so, Campus Health Centre, Security Crime Prevention and Residence Life have collaborated to bring in internationally-renown healthy dating and sexual assault expert and author, Mike Domitrz, to host a keynote lecture and workshop.

Domitrz's approach is different from usual lectures on sexual assault and dating. “He's almost a stand up comedian with a message,” says Deb Garland, health education events co-ordinator with Campus Health Centre.

Domitrz connects with students on a humourous level and brings to light difficult issues in ways students can understand and relate to. While the lecture is fun, entertaining and interactive, it also has a clear message. “He talks about how asking for consent can be romantic in itself. It's about changing people's perception about asking for permission before engaging in intimacy,” says Garland.

“Dating and consent in dating is something people don't really talk about,” adds Pearl Mondonca, program assistant with Residence Life. “This is an opportunity for student to discuss issues of perception, communication and consent.”

After the one-hour keynote speech, Domitrz will hold a workshop to teach students how to deal with dating and sexual issues among their peers. It emphasizes education and sensitivity in discussing or responding to such issues in a workplace or in school.

This message is relevant for all. Students are encouraged to come with their partners and friends and even if they are not currently dating. “People go in and out of relationships, but communication is always important. This is education that they can have forever,” says O'Donnell. “In a way, we want to teach students how to play the field, but also how to end the game.”

“Respect, consent and communication are the building blocks of all healthy relationships,” says McMaster President Peter George. “While this program focuses on the most sensitive area of our lives, the tools it offers are the ones we can all use as we work to create a
more inclusive campus community.

The Can I Kiss You? keynote lecture takes place on Monday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. in MUSC CIBC Hall (third floor). The workshop will follow in the same room at 8 p.m. Free tickets are available at COMPASS in MUSC on a first come first serve basis. A separate ticket is required for each event. Maximum three tickets per person. For more information, contact Campus Health Centre, Security Crime Prevention or Residence Life.