TEEN TOUCH is a helpline. We're not specialists on topics like sex, drugs and alcohol, etc. We can help you talk things out and decide where you go from here. Sexual issues are complicated. Television, movies, or novels don't make sexual issues any clearer. The best thing you can do is talk to someone you trust about your concerns and find the answers that work for you. Good decisions are based on accurate information.

We can provide links to services that offer the kind of information we think you might need. But if you want to talk things over before or after you get the information you need, we'll try to help. Contact us.

PRESSURE TO HAVE SEX

Having sex can't make you a "man" or a "woman." However, it can make you pregnant; give you V.D. or AIDS-even if you do it just once. So, consider the risks and be responsible.

Remember:

• Some kids tell you they've done it when they really haven't.
• Having sex when you don't want to will only make your feel bad.
• Don't confuse wanting to please your friend with doing what is comfortable and right for you.
• Good relationships (friendships and romances) should make you feel good about yourself and about your life.

The trick is to state your personal feelings. It's easier to stand up for what you believe if you know what you believe in, what's important to you, what you want. If you aren't sure about who you are and what you believe, it'll be harder to stand up to these pressures.

In the final analysis, people who really care about you will understand your position and back off out of love and respect-because they don't want to hurt you.

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