We want to keep our kids safe, physically and emotionally. We don’t want them to be hurt or disappointed—especially the deep kind of hurt that comes from unrequited love or the end of a relationship. Woe to any teenage boy or girl who breaks the heart of my beloved child! Alas, there’s nothing you can […]
Guys: Here’s How to Impress the Girl You Like
I talk to a lot of young people about dating and sex these days. So I know that “dating” isn’t really the right word, because nobody goes on dates. People “hang out” or “hook up” or meet each other somewhere, but there’s little of that archaic “let’s go out for dinner and a movie” stuff. […]
Feeling “Meh” About Sex Tonight? Your Relationship Status Matters
If the person next to you wants to have sex tonight and you’re not sure whether you’re in the mood, should you do it? It depends on who the person next to you is. Suppose the person who’s looking for action is someone you don’t know well or who just wants casual sex. If you […]
Why That Hottie Might Not Be the Best Date
What kind of person would you like to date? You probably have a list of things you’re looking for—and one quality you want is “attractive.” Because, well, we’re attracted to attractive people; there’s something about their physical appeal that pulls us in. It’s natural to be drawn toward beauty/handsomeness/sexiness. Who wouldn’t want that in a […]
TalkStarters: 22 Things Your Teen Is Wondering About Sex and Relationships
Teenagers can be tough to read. You know their heads are full of thoughts and questions about sex and relationships, but exactly what’s going on in there…who knows? Obviously every kid is different. But the young adults who responded to my survey give some clues about common questions and concerns. When I asked what they […]
The Myth of “Just Friends”
If you’ve kissed someone recently, can he/she be “just a friend”? If you’ve had sex with the person? I keep hearing young people say things like “Yeah, we hooked up a few times, but we’re just friends.” Or, “We have sex most weekends, but we’re really just friends.” Really?? “Just friends,” to my way of […]