Practicing safe sex can be awkward and clunky. I feel you - and I understand that it can be a tricky topic to bring up. Doing anything for the first time is going to be a little nerve-wracking. Think about your first kiss: your tongues probably stumbled around for a solid few minutes before they got into flow. The same goes for discussing safe sex practices. But it doesn't have to be hard!! In the best case scenario, having the talk up front can allow you to fully relax into the pleasure, nakedness, touch… knowing that you're keeping each other safe. And this, in my opinion, is worth overcoming those initial nerves.
As this language might be new to you - see below for a breakdown of how to initiate safe sex practices in a range of relationship styles and choices.