38 Copyright 2023 Marline E. Pearson Sex always carries expectations— anything from a meaningless hookup to the expectations of a loving and committed relationship. It’s important to be in touch with your desires, your values, your comfort level, and your limits. Decide for yourself a context and timing for sex that is meaningful to you. Don’t slide. “ So many of my friends were pressured to have sex before they ever figured out what they wanted. What I’ve noticed is that people who have sex at 14, 15, and 16 go on to have lots of casual sex. They don’t have any concept of sex as something special. It doesn’t add to their self-esteem. There’s no real pleasure. They aren’t enjoying it. I know I’ve been there.” ~ Cassie, 18, single mom of a two-year-old child Let’s Talk About Sex “ On the topic of sex, I’m starting to understand I get older. Distribute I have really changed my views and am quite different about I choose be someone. Sample I wasn’t really happy when I was involved with someone, and we were intimate, but I still did it. Now, I can’t even get anymore, knowing how unhappy it truly made me. I want a relationship a kind caring partner.” ~ Melanie, 19 “ When I was younger, I had a lot of casual sex. Honestly, there was no gratification—just a quick get-off. I only thought of and to my buddies. Now things totally different. It’s not just about me. I really my partner.” ~ Seth, 22 Do Not let’s talk about sex