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I think a distinction needs to be drawn here; personally, I see a big difference between a casual sex partner and a significant other. If you're just out to get laid than you're probably not going to have much success asking your companion of the evening how many partners they've had. At best you're inviting them to lie to you, although I suppose it would be a good way to protect yourself from STD's; as Ustwo pointed out, I can't imagine anything actually happening after you ask a question like that. This type of encounter carries an inherent risk and it's only sensible to be cognizant of that and take reasonable steps to protect oneself.
Dealing with a long-term partner, however, is a whole 'nother animal. In those circumstances (as presented in the OP) I would consider it a valid question. Personally, I select my long-term partners based on character traits that I find appealing, rather than sexual compatibility. Those character traits include honesty and integrity, which I expect from those around me every bit as much as I do from myself. If she tells me that she's had two partners before me and used condoms every time then I probably won't be as adamant on blood tests than if she's had ten and has had unprotected sex with all of them. The circumstances dictate the response. Yes, it's true that she could be lying, but if I thought that were the case I wouldn't be with her to begin with.
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I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept
I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept
I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head
I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said
- Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame
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