adminThis may surprise you, but your parents, teachers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and even your weird neighbour have all had sex at some point in their lives. Ready for another secret?
THEY MOST LIKELY ENJOYED IT!
So, adults know a thing or two when it comes to doing the deed. If they have the advice to share, take it.
If you’re like me, you were one of the lucky kids who got to avoid The Talk. Unfortunately, that can bite you in the butt as an adult. As a 9-year-old, I told my mother I knew what sex was. When she followed up with a question about ‘what sex was’, I couldn’t respond, because I honestly thought sex was two people getting naked in a bed. I had no idea what the act of sex really was, traditionally a penis in a vagina (for some), until I was in 7th-grade health class.
As a grown-up, I’ve realized that most of the adults during my childhood, probably felt pretty awkward talking to me about sex. Maybe that’s why ‘The Talk’ never happened. Adults in your life might feel the same, but you should encourage them to talk about sex. Here’s why:
- They know the answers. No matter how awkward the question, an adult is more likely to have the answer, or can at least help you find it. Whether it’s a simple question about going on birth control, or something more serious, like being worried about getting somebody pregnant, or having an STI, an adult will know what to do.
- You don’t know what you don’t know. Did you know that you should pee after having sex? No? Well, there are many women in your life who know that you should, and they even know WHY! That’s just one example. Adults know a lot about sex, and some information is stuff you’ve never even thought of!
- You’ll learn more about safety. Of course, your school health class will show you drawings of naked men and women, and get you to put a condom on a banana, but they don’t always touch on safety. Yes, STIs and pregnancy are always risks, but what other risks come with sex? Well, as a teenager, you might try having sex in some questionable places, and maybe with some questionable people. An adult who loves you will want you to be safe in every aspect of your life, and talking to them about sex will help to keep you safe.
So yes, it might be awkward. But rip that band-aid off!
But, who can you talk to? If going to someone like your mom, dad, or caregiver is just too much, try talking to a teacher you trust, a coach, or even an older family member like a cousin. Don’t let sex be a ‘taboo’ topic. Everyone has sex-it’s how you ended up on this earth!