Thanks for writing this. As a young man, I didn't have a clue about consent (it was the 80s and 90s). I do know that I felt very uncomfortable about it. I would have never intentionally pressured a woman into activity that they didn't want to do. I do remember recieving what felt like an obligatory kiss after a date.

To be fair, I often felt obligated to try sometimes. It was awkward being on a date with someone I didn't know. I had a hard time recognizing signals and picking my moment. It was probably obvious, but things get really confusing when you self-esteem is involved. There were times too that I got kissed unexpectedly from someone who I really didn't feel a connection with. I didn't know what to do then either. I was young, inexprienced, insecure and confused. Like many men, I wanted to have sex...sure. What I wanted more was a girl friend. I wanted to feel connected to the opposite sex. I think most men (cis-gendered) still do.

I'm sure it didn't help that I grew up with Captain Kirk and James Bond, who both had a habit of kissing women forcefully until they liked it. Still, I was smart enough to know the difference between TV and Movies and real life.