Is Getting STD Testing the New Green Flag in Dating?

Jennifer Lawrence Says She Expects STI Testing Before Sex. More People Are Starting to Agree.

Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence has publicly shared that she expects partners to undergo STI testing before becoming intimate, explaining that sexual health is something she takes seriously.

A few years ago, that conversation might have sounded unusual—or even uncomfortable.

Today, it reflects a noticeable shift in modern dating.

More people are beginning to see conversations about STD testing not as a sign of distrust, but as a sign of honesty, maturity, and mutual respect.

What once felt awkward is becoming something many people appreciate.

For some, being willing to talk openly about sexual health is becoming a new green flag in dating.

Green Flags Have Changed

Dating culture has evolved.

People still value kindness, honesty, emotional maturity, and good communication.

But increasingly, they're also paying attention to something else:

How someone cares for their own health—and for yours.

Being willing to discuss STD testing, share health information when appropriate, or have honest conversations about sexual health is becoming a sign of responsibility rather than embarrassment.

In other words, today's green flags aren't only about personality.

They're also about accountability.

A Green Flag Isn't About Words—It's About Actions

Healthy relationships are built on trust.

But trust doesn't mean avoiding important conversations.

It means being willing to have them.

Talking about sexual health before becoming sexually active isn't about assuming the worst.

It's about making informed decisions together instead of relying on assumptions.

If two people genuinely care about one another, protecting each other's health naturally becomes part of the relationship.

STD testing is one practical way to do that.

Caring About Your Partner's Health Is Part of Modern Dating

One of the biggest changes in dating culture today is the growing emphasis on mutual responsibility.

Many people now recognize that protecting a partner's physical health is just as important as respecting their emotional well-being.

Choosing to get tested before becoming intimate can help both partners better understand their sexual health status and begin a relationship with greater confidence and transparency.

For couples in committed relationships, some may also choose to discuss periodic STD testing depending on their circumstances, healthcare provider's advice, or changes in risk factors.

The goal isn't to create fear.

It's to create trust through openness.

Healthy conversations often lead to healthier relationships.

The Real Problem Isn't the Conversation—It's the Unknown

Many sexually transmitted infections may not cause noticeable symptoms.

Someone can feel completely healthy while being unaware of an infection.

When sexual health is never discussed, both partners are left relying on assumptions instead of information.

Sometimes people assume everything is fine because neither person has symptoms.

Sometimes they avoid the conversation because they're afraid it may sound like they don't trust their partner.

But avoiding the conversation doesn't reduce the risk.

It only increases the uncertainty.

If an infection is discovered later, the emotional impact can be just as difficult as the medical diagnosis.

Someone may feel guilty for unknowingly passing an infection to a partner.

Someone else may feel hurt that an important conversation never happened.

These are situations that most people would rather prevent than face.

Open communication and STD testing help replace uncertainty with knowledge—allowing couples to make informed decisions together.

Avoiding the conversation doesn't reduce the risk. Understanding your sexual health helps you make informed choices.

Public Figures Are Helping Change the Conversation

The growing acceptance of STD testing isn't happening by accident.

More public figures have begun speaking openly about sexual health, helping reduce stigma and encourage honest conversations.

Gerry Turner
The Golden Bachelor star Gerry Turner revealed that he received his first STD test while preparing to participate in the show.

After spending decades in a long-term marriage, he said the experience made him realize how important sexual health screening is for people re-entering the dating world.

His openness reminded many people that conversations about STD testing are relevant at every stage of life—not just for young adults.

Source: Glamour.

STD Testing Is Becoming Part of Modern Dating Culture

The conversation extends beyond celebrity interviews.

Many reality dating shows now include health screening—including STD testing—as part of their participant requirements before filming.

Examples include:

• The Bachelor
• The Golden Bachelor
• Married at First Sight
• Various Bravo reality productions

These screening processes are designed to support participant safety and responsible production practices.

More importantly, they reflect a broader cultural trend.

STD testing is increasingly being viewed as a practical part of preparing for intimacy—not an uncomfortable exception.

Reducing Stigma Doesn't Reduce Responsibility

Making STD testing easier to talk about doesn't make it less important.

It makes it more accessible.

For years, shame and stigma have prevented many people from asking questions, accessing information, or getting tested.

Removing that stigma encourages people to take proactive steps toward protecting their health.

The goal isn't to normalize STDs.

The goal is to normalize prevention.

The easier it becomes to discuss testing, the easier it becomes to protect ourselves and the people we care about.

Respect Starts With Protecting Each Other

Every relationship is different.

There is no single conversation that fits every couple.

But one principle is becoming increasingly common:

Looking after each other's health is an important expression of care.

Getting an STD test isn't about proving trust.

It's about protecting trust.

It isn't about suspicion.

It's about respect.

It's choosing transparency over assumptions.

It's recognizing that caring for someone's health is one of the clearest ways to show that you value the relationship.

Perhaps that's why more people are beginning to see STD testing as a modern dating green flag.

Not because testing defines a relationship—

But because the willingness to communicate openly and protect one another helps build one.

Learn More on PositiveSingles' STD Testing Day

At PositiveSingles, we believe that awareness, education, and open conversations are essential parts of STD prevention.

That's why we created STD Testing Day—an initiative that encourages people to learn about STD testing, understand the importance of knowing their status, and make informed decisions about their sexual health.

Whether you're entering a new relationship, returning to dating, or simply taking charge of your own well-being, understanding your sexual health is one of the most meaningful ways to care for yourself and your partner.

STD Testing Day isn't about fear.

It's about awareness.

It's about prevention.

And it's about giving every relationship the opportunity to begin with honesty, respect, and confidence.

Get informed. Get tested. Protect yourself. Protect your partner.
Visit our STD Testing Day page to explore STD testing resources, prevention information, and practical guidance for supporting healthier relationships.