AbstractThe use of direct verbal sexual initiative by females and its reported effect on male partners were examined employing a sample of college students. It was found that over one‐half of the females reported directly asking for sex. These women were no more likely to report being rebuffed by their male partners than those not employing direct means. Additionally, females asking directly were found to be generally less conventional, more assertive, more likely to be involved with males who also use explicit means of asking for sex and whom they regarded as able to cope with direct female requests. On the other hand, males tended to report compliance with their female partner's request for sex whether direct or indirect. When sex occasionally did not occur when requested, very few individuals reported the type of approach of self or other as the main reason for noncompliance. Finally, the evidence indicates a generalized belief among the females that males may be“turned off”by female sexual assertiveness.