Fun Things to do Without Doing "It"
FAQs About Sex
What is the difference between love and sex?
How do I deal with peer pressure?
How can I feel close to my boyfriend/girlfriend without sex?
How do I tell my boyfriend/girlfriend I don't want to have sex?
How do I know if someone has an STD?
Q: What is abstinence?
A: Abstinence is a choice to not have sex. For many people, abstinence is the absence of sexual contact altogether.
Q: Why do some teens have sex?
A: Some teens have sex because they want to feel accepted, they think it’s “cool,” it’s easier to have sex than to talk about it or say no, they want to feel close to someone, or peer pressure.
Q: What is the difference between love and sex?
A: There is no exact definition of love for everyone, but it is an emotion felt for another person. Love can be demonstrated by supporting one another through good and hard times, solving problems together and helping each other grow as people.
Sex is an act. Sexual desire is a feeling of attraction and excitement. Sometimes people confuse desire for love, but they are not the same thing.
Q: How do I deal with peer pressure?
A: Everyone has their own methods for dealing with peer pressure, but here are some tips:
• Go on group dates – there will be less pressure when you’re with more people.
• Think of things to say in advance – if you have an idea of what you’d like to say, you’ll be less likely to freeze.
• Be ready to call your parents or a friend to come pick you up if you need to leave a date. If you’re with a group of people, have a friend who will be ready to leave with you if you start to feel uncomfortable.
• Never feel obligated to “pay someone back” with sex in return for a date or gift.
• Say “no” and mean “no.”
Q: How can I feel close to my boyfriend/girlfriend without sex?
A: Many people have sex because they think it will bring them closer, but they often regret this decision. Feeling close to someone involves talking and listening; sharing your dreams, goals, wishes, hurts, etc.; having respect for one another; being honest; and having fun together.
Q: How do I tell my boyfriend/girlfriend I don’t want to have sex?
A: It’s best to be honest about this from the beginning of your relationship. When you start the relationship with these standards, it’s easier for each of you to know what the other expects. Even if your boyfriend/girlfriend didn’t know that you don’t want to have sex, open communication is essential to a good relationship. If they can’t respect your wishes, they may not be someone you want to be with.
Q: How do I know if someone has an STD?
A: There’s no way to know for sure if someone has an STD. Many STDs don’t have symptoms you can see or have symptoms that don’t show for months, sometimes years. Someone may have an STD and not know it.
Q: Is sex a bad thing?
A: No. We’re not saying sex is a bad thing but there are serious responsibilities that come with it. Having sex as a teen affects many negatively emotionally and physically.