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Copyright 2025 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. I have really changed my views and am quite different about I choose be
someone. 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
let’s
talk
about
sex