You have a question about Sex or Puberty…

You ask a friend or sibling. They:

a) tell others what you asked

• if you wanted them to keep it secret, next time tell them in advance
• if you can't trust them, talk to someone else instead

b) are shocked that you don't know

• hang in there, they may also be shocked that you had the courage to ask
• this reaction isn't necessarily mean - give the person a chance to answer
• if you're uncomfortable, you can end the conversation at any time

c) don't know the answer either

• this is very likely – people don't always know as much as you think
• it takes courage for them to admit this, so thank them anyway
• see if they know where to find the answer

 

You ask an adult. They:

a) say you are too young to know

• they may be more nervous than you and are avoiding the conversation
• they may truly believe this – maybe they didn't know until they were older
• if you think you should have the answer, look somewhere else
  

b) get embarrassed and avoid answering

• give them a chance to get their courage up
• you could offer to come back at another time to talk about the answer
• ask for clarification if you don't understand their answer

c) ask why you want to know

• if you tell them, it may help them better understand your question
• if you don't want to tell them, be honest and ask if they'll answer the question anyway

 

You ask a question in sex-ed class, and

a) everyone laughs

• if you have the courage, laugh and admit how embarrassing it can be to ask a question in sex-ed
• hang in there, everyone is probably just as nervous and many are probably just as curious for the answer
• congratulate yourself for your courage since laughter doesn't make it any easier

b) you don't understand the answer

• if you have the courage, ask for clarification
• if you don't have the courage, give yourself a break and consider talking to the teacher in private at another time

c) you realize you know less than everyone else

• it may seem this way when really a lot of people aren't being honest about what they know
• if you think it's true and want to know more, consider getting a book, surfing the internet, or talking to a parent, doctor, nurse, or friend