The context and atmosphere of the evening fostered an implicit expectation that sexual encounters would take place. Louise was well aware of this and felt pressure to conform, but also feared not being up to par and missing out on a great experience. Although she decided to have an intimate relationship with Karim, it's clear that she felt a lot of ambivalence about doing so.

If you find yourself in such a situation, know that you are never obligated to have sexual contact if you're not sure you want to. It's essential to pay attention to your emotions in the present moment, as they inform you about your needs. If you feel shame or guilt about refusing to have encounters with your date, it may be an opportunity to have an honest and open discussion with your partner. It's okay to evaluate your desires and limits and remind yourself that you're not "ruining" the moment if you change your mind during the evening.

If engaging in sexual activities doesn't appeal to you, there are several other ways to meet your need for intimacy and affection. For example, you can simply cuddle, go for a walk holding hands, or continue a stimulating conversation over a glass of wine.