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DECIDING ABOUT SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP

Deciding about whether or not to have a sexual relationship can be difficult when you are thinking about this for the first time.

Teen make many different kinds of decisions about sex. Some feel they want to kiss and make out but not go any further. Some decide they want to have sexual intercourse. Some teens decide to wait. The important thing is that you feel comfortable with your decision.

Many teenagers decide to wait. There is nothing wrong with saying "No." There are good things about waiting. If you wait, you are less likely to get a sexually transmitted disease or get pregnant.

If you are thinking of whether or not to start a sexual relationship ask yourself:

• How will having sex make me feel about myself?
• What are my reasons for wanting to have sex?
• What do others (my family, my friends) think about having sex?
• How does this affect me?
• How Does my partner feel about having sex?

Think carefully about your answers. Only you can decide when is the right time to begin a sexual relationship. But this might be a good time to talk with someone who is older and you trust. Your parents, a counselor or teacher may be able to help you decide what's best.