Sexual Issues

Someone you care about wants to have sex and you do not know:

• What to do or say.
• How it will change your feelings about yourself or your relationship.
• How to prevent pregnancy.
• How to say NO without losing your partner.

It is important to be sensitive to your partner when it comes to the question of sexual activity. When someone is not ready for sexual involvement, it is wrong to pressure him/her.

Before you get in a difficult situation, talk about your feelings with your partner and be sure to be specific about what seems right to you. If you cannot agree, you may have to say NO although it is hard to say no to someone you really like. Only you know how much you can handle, and you are the one who must deal with the consequences.

Some couples have trouble agreeing on a stopping point. What should you do? There are many levels of touching and affection before sexual intercourse occurs. You can stop at any level. Try to avoid situations where you have to decide when to stop.

The answer to the statement, “If you love me, you will” is “If you love me, you won’t pressure me.”

There are many ways to express feelings of intimacy without having sex. Remember, no method of contraception is 100 percent effective except abstinence.