By Leslie, TeenSource Peer Educator
It's a Saturday night and your partner wants to have "the talk" about having sex. However, you don't know if you're ready.
Here are some things to look for before you decide if you're ready to take the next step in your relationship:
- Communication - Are you able to talk to your partner about anything? Having the ability to be open to any conversation makes you feel comfortable. If you are able to let your gf/bf know that you cannot attend a date or that you will not be able to see them without any problems, it must be a good sign! Share your feelings and listen to your partner's.
- Trust - Be honest and expect honesty in return. A relationship is based on you and your partern's ability to respond to each other's needs in an honest and respectful manner. You should feel comfortable when you're around your partner. If you feel comfortable talking about your problems or even saying how your day went, that's great! Trust is built through healthy communication.
- Talk about birth control - The key to having safe sex in a healthy relationship is to have open and honest conversation with your partner about birth control. Learn about the different birth control methods so you can decide which one is the best for you. It might also be helpful to visit a clinic and discuss your options with a clinician. In addition to preventing unintended pregnancy, don't forget to also use a condom to protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)!
For more tips on how to have "the talk" with your partner, click here.