I was sitting around with a few friends last weekend when two of them made a casual reference to their freshman year sex contract. That’s right — sex contract. As it turns out, the two had collaboratively written down what they would or wouldn’t do while casually hooking up that fall, signed the document and used it as a consensual guideline for the rest of their relationship.

Sex contracts came into the public eye last summer in E.L. James’ “Fifty Shades of Grey,” in which Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele work out an agreement to guide their encounters. The contract lists Christian’s requested sex acts — such as flogging, whipping or physical restraint — which Anastasia can either allow or refuse. Her refusal, however, must be accompanied by a punishment of her choosing. In the contract, she lists what Christian is and isn’t permitted to do to her in said punishment.

Though they may sound extreme, these contracts exist outside of erotic fiction and actually serve as a healthy negotiation tool for many couples. Whether you’re experienced partners experimenting with S&M or a new couple learning to navigate complicated sexual waters, it’s important to set boundaries and expectations from the get-go. When people embark on long and short-term sexual relationships, they rarely sit down and discuss their individual needs and preferences, leading to unnecessary confusion and unwanted actions in the bedroom. A sexual contract can erase any doubts about what is or is not permitted so neither party is forced to do damage control on the spot.

Additionally, a written sexual contract can open up a space for sexual discourse in which conversation deemed inappropriate for day-to-day life is suddently fair game (i.e., if you’ve been dying to experiment with spank paddles but don’t want to bring it up over dinner, the sex contract could be your best chance.)

A sexual contract can be a formal document, such as a “Consensual Sexual Acts Confidentiality Agreement,” which is drawn up by a lawyer. It includes a list of sexual acts and a safety clause, stating that signees can change their minds at any point and their partners must respect that. The contract does not guarantee eternal consent and should not be used as a justification for rape or other forms of abuse.

The contract can also be an informal document featuring lists of “Things I Will Not Do” and “Things I Would Like to Try.” In “The Office,” Dwight and Angela write up a sex contract in which Angela promises Dwight a child in exchange for a certain amount of sex. When Dwight breaches the contract, Angela has the choice of suing him for $30,000 or demanding five more sessions of intercourse. Needless to say, Dwight chooses the latter.

Sex contracts allow for increased communication and more open dialogue about sexual experimentation. They preemptively take care of issues of consent and provide a more transparent and therefore more enjoyable experience for all parties involved.

So pop a bottle of wine and get writing. Happy Valentine’s Day, Wildcats.