by The 4-Way Panel

Dear 4-Way,

Do you think it’s a good idea to find out how many sexual partners the person you’re dating has had? If the answer is “yes,” when in the relationship is the best time to ask?—LL

    The straight woman’s perspective: Rebecca Brown 

Has a woman ever asked you if she looks fat? Did you answer? And if so, did you answer honestly? Because if you did, that was pretty stupid. I think the sexual partner question is one that never needs to be asked or answered. If I find out you’ve had 150 partners, I’m going to think you’re a part-time porn star; if I find out you’ve had one partner, I’m going to wonder why no one wants to sleep with you. (Sorry, I’m just being honest.) It’s a no-win. I think the information people really want when they ask that question is, “Do you have disease-infested private parts that do not need to be touching my clean private parts?” That question absolutely needs to be asked before you get it on. You really should subscribe to this 4-Way thing, LL. We’re pretty insightful people, if I do say so myself.

Check in tomorrow for the straight man's perspective by Chris Kennedy.

The 4-Way is published monthly. If you have a question for our 4-Way panel, please send it to them in care of the editor at rbrown@realgirlsmedia.com. To read more of The 4-Way columns or to listen to our podcasts, visit The 4-Way now.