Alright, let’s talk about somethin’ important, somethin’ everyone needs to know, like knowin’ how to plant potatoes, you know? We gotta talk about this thing called “fries consent.” Now, don’t go thinkin’ I’m talkin’ ’bout them greasy potato sticks you get at the burger joint. This here is serious stuff, about treatin’ folks right, ya hear?
What is this Fries Consent?
Well, some smart folks came up with a way to remember what consent is all about, using the word “FRIES.” Just like you need good potatoes to make good fries, you need good consent to make good…well, you know, good relationships, good times, good everything. So, let’s break it down, like we’re breakin’ beans for dinner:
- F is for Freely Given: This means nobody’s twistin’ your arm, see? Nobody’s makin’ ya do somethin’ ya don’t wanna do. It’s gotta be your own choice, plain and simple. Like choosin’ to wear your Sunday best, nobody’s forcin’ ya. You choose it ‘cause you wanna. It ain’t consent if you’re feelin’ pressured, scared, or if you’ve had too much to drink, like that homemade wine that goes straight to your head. You gotta be clear-headed and sure of what you want.
- R is for… well, they didn’t give me an R in my papers, but let’s say it’s for Reversible. Just like you can change your mind about what to cook for supper, you can change your mind about… well, you know, about anything. Even if you said yes at first, you can always say no later. It’s your right, and nobody can tell ya otherwise. If someone keeps on after you’ve said no, that ain’t right, not right at all.
- I is for Informed: This means you gotta know what you’re gettin’ into. It’s like when you’re buyin’ a cow – you gotta know if it’s a good milker or just gonna eat all your hay. You gotta have all the information, and you gotta understand it. No hidin’ things, no sneaky business. Everyone’s gotta be on the same page, like singin’ from the same hymn book.
- E is for Enthusiastic: Now, this one’s important. It ain’t enough just to say yes; you gotta mean it, you know? Like when you see your grandbaby for the first time, and your heart just swells up, that’s enthusiasm. You gotta be happy about it, excited about it, eager about it. If someone’s just kinda mumbly or seems unsure, that ain’t enthusiasm. And if someone’s sayin’ nothin’ at all, well, that definitely ain’t enthusiasm. Silence ain’t yes, you hear?
- S is for Specific: This means you gotta be clear about what you’re agreein’ to. It’s like when you tell someone how to make your famous apple pie – you gotta be specific about the ingredients and how long to bake it. You can’t just say “yes” to one thing and have it mean “yes” to everything. You gotta be clear about what you’re comfortable with and what you’re not. And if someone tries to change things up in the middle, you gotta go right back to the start and make sure everyone’s still on board.
How to Ask for Fries Consent, or Whatever Consent
Now, askin’ for consent, that ain’t rocket science. It’s just about bein’ respectful and makin’ sure everyone’s comfortable. You can ask simple questions, like, “Is this okay?” or “Do you want to do this?” or “How do you feel about this?” You don’t have to be fancy, just be clear and honest. And you gotta listen to the answer, really listen, not just hear what you wanna hear. If someone says no, or even if they just seem a little hesitant, you gotta respect that. Don’t push it, don’t argue, just back off. It’s like when the cows don’t wanna come in from the pasture – you can’t force ‘em, you just gotta let ‘em be.
Why Fries Consent Matters
This fries consent thing, it ain’t just some fancy idea. It’s about treatin’ people with respect, like you’d want to be treated yourself. It’s about makin’ sure everyone feels safe and comfortable. It’s about buildin’ strong, healthy relationships, whether it’s with your family, your friends, or even just the folks you meet down at the general store. And you know, it’s about more than just that too! It’s about makin’ the whole darn world a better place, one interaction at a time. It’s about raisin’ our young ‘uns to be good, decent people who know how to treat others right. It’s about respect, plain and simple. It’s the golden rule, just like my mama taught me: treat others the way you want to be treated.
So, next time you’re thinkin’ about doin’ somethin’ with someone, remember them fries. Remember to make sure it’s Freely Given, (we threw in a Reversible there) Informed, Enthusiastic, and Specific. It ain’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. Because at the end of the day, it’s all about respect, kindness, and treatin’ folks right. And that’s somethin’ everyone can understand, whether you’re from the big city or just a simple country folk like me.
Remember that this here “FRIES” thing is just a way to help you remember, but the real deal is in your heart. Treat people good, listen to what they say, and respect their decisions. That’s the recipe for a good life, ya hear?
