By Marissa
It goes without saying that talking to your parents about your sex life is uncomfortable, let alone initiating the conversation. While parents have shown to be more open to talking about the topic of sex, unfortunately teens do not always feel the same way. In a recent study, half of all teens reported feeling uncomfortable talking with their parents about sex compared to just 19% of parents who feel uncomfortable talking with their teens. This means that most parents are willing to talk if you make the effort.
Although it takes a lot of courage to openly discuss a personal matter such as your sex life, being honest with your parents will allow for a more open dialogue about what really matters – your overall health and well-being. This is what matters most to your parents, and by being honest and upfront, they will see how mature you are and how important this is to you. Furthermore, an often overlooked benefit of talking to your parents about your sex life is that they will be able to share their own experiences with you, and will be able to offer you advice that allows you to learn from them. Whether it’s learning from their mistakes or learning from their healthy choices, it’s always a relief to receive advice from people that have been in your shoes.
There are a number of different tips to help iniate the conversation, but believe it or not, starting the conversation is the hardest part. Once the elephant’s out of the room, the conversation will continue to flow and be less awkward. Even if your conversation with your parents is brief, it’s a stepping stone in your relationship with them and will serve as a reminder that at the end of the day, usually, your parents really do know best (as much as we hate to admit it), and only want what’s best for you.
Plot twist: If you are the one initiating the conversation with your parents and they seem hesitant, there are many helpful resources out there that offer great advice to parents who may need some guidance. Offer this resource to your parents, and your conversation will flow smoother and be more meaningful.