Giving the nod means giving the nod, and shaking your head means a clear no – no room for "maybe" or "perhaps." Let's get a few things straight.
Everybody's got to be on the same page, no blurred lines. If it's not crystal clear, just ask – "So, should I take that as a 'yes'?" or "I'm guessing that's a 'no'?" or "Alright, let's wait until you're sure." Consent can be a green light at any moment, but it's also free to hit the brakes anytime.
"It's like the laws of the universe," and guess what, you're the boss of your body, desires, and decisions. Anyone crossing boundaries – that’s sus! But let me tell you, easier said than done, for both players. You like the person, so you don't want to bruise their ego by being a fattu. Yet, you end up feeling like one for not speaking your truth. So, you "allow" them to go on, because you don't want to lose them, and you don't know how to say a firm "No!" Suddenly, you've regressed to being the "Good Girl" or "Lovely Boy" – reminiscent of childhood ("No Chinna, Don't say No," "Go to Chacha," "Give Cikkam'ma a big kiss").
It’s time to be clear in your "Yes-No-Maybe" directives. Walk the talk. Saying "no" but meaning "yes," or saying "maybe" but meaning "go for it" is like sending out a confusing distress signal, creating messed-up situations. And hey, get your hearing sorted – what you hear is what it is, at least for now. Yaad rahe sirf haan ka matlab haan hota hai