I often get to chat with guys when they come in for testing, who are worried that they got caught up in the moment and did something that might have put them at risk. While I always felt that I understood this completely, I think I didn’t. I thought that with enough training and practice, this wouldn’t happen. I may have been hasty.

Those of you who know me know that I recently finished my masters in social work. I have just begun the work to get my Ph.D so that I can become a sex therapist/sexologist when I grow up, and you know that I am a little unconventional for Rehoboth! I believe in stepping outside the box as often as possible to keep life interesting and moving along. I believe in stepping outside the box and this Ph.D. program is definitely outside the box. This is going to be fun! You wouldn’t believe the homework load!

I began classes in San Francisco two weeks ago. The days were long and hard because of the intense nature of the classes and program. But there was salvation. Homework! I took my buddy, Dave, with me so I would have someone to hang out with. He ended up being my research assistant as I went out to explore the wilder side of the city. Keep in mind, that this exploration was homework.

Where should a buddy take a buddy in San Francisco? Blow Buddies of course! Well, this is a very interesting place where everybody has only one thing in mind. You can guess what that is! I really didn’t want to go but did want to go all at the same time—all those feelings of being excited and scared at the same time. Anyway, you know the feeling. We went in. We registered, paid our money and we got a lecture from the doorman on Safe Sex. That was the awesome part!

As we went in, I couldn’t believe this place! The energy was incredible…very absorbing. I really wanted to just watch so I picked a safe spot to watch everything after exploring the place. I stood there and then the energy started getting my mind going. I was determined to just watch! I took my shirt off and encouraged my "research assistant" to go and walk around so I could do a proper study! Suddenly, the most handsome man in the whole place walked past me and kind of bumped me. I thought "woof" and "be more careful" at the same time…back to watching. Then Mr. Fuzzy Pecs did it again. He bumped right into me again. He wasn’t bumping into anybody else but me. WOOF! WOOF! WOOF!

All of a sudden, the energy of the place and the advances by this very handsome man began to do its work on my mind. All of a sudden, my original intentions were changing rapidly and I became absorbed in the energy of the place. Then he did it again…he bumped into me and I didn’t let this one go unnoticed.

Ultimately, I was a good boy and didn’t do anything that I would regret. I was so close, however, and I understood perfectly what guys mean when they say, "I just got caught up in the moment."

I have lots of training keeping the focus on safety and it was difficult to say no and do the right thing. The training paid off and I did do the right thing! So my advice is to know that it is going to happen, and to know it is easy to get caught up in the moment and consider unsafe things. But don’t. Practice safe sex, and always have one or two of the CAMPsafe condom packages in your pocket. Be practiced and prepared. Be safe and be healthy.

By the way, I can’t wait till my next set of classes!