By Justin.
Many of us want to be loved and respected, but what happens when your relationship begins to move faster than planned and your partner begins to pressure you about sex? Unfortunately, this is a serious issue among young people and can sometimes cause them to succumb to pressure and do what they’re uncomfortable doing just to please their partner. The fact of the matter is that you may not be ready for sex, and no one that loves you should pressure you to do it. Choosing to have sex should be a decision that you make with your partner when you both feel that you are capable of dealing with any possible consequences that could arise from your actions. Sadly, talking to your partner about this may not be the easiest thing, and sometimes will cause relationships to end.
However, here are a few tips that you should use if your partner is pressuring you for sex:
1. Discuss Possible Risks
Sex is a big choice and can come with big consequences. Talking to your partner about the potential risks of sex may be just what they need to help them understand why you are choosing to wait. One possible topic that you can discuss with your partner is the risk of unplanned pregnancy. Mississippi has one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancy in the country, and teen mothers are less likely to complete high school. In fact, only about one-third of Mississippi teen mothers actually receive a high school diploma. Another
possible risk associated with sex is contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD). There are nearly 20 million STDs reported annually in the U.S., and youth ages 15-24 account for half of them. This is the unfortunate reality that sex has a lot of possible consequences.
2. Demand Respect
Sometimes discussing the risks doesn’t always do the trick, so demanding respect is another step you can take. It is important that you understand your worth so that you won’t compromise your values and health for the pleasure of another person. If your partner is not being understanding of your concerns about sex, then it is important that you let them know that you are not ready and that the topic is off the table. The way your partner responds may not turn out the way you want and may actually cause your partner to leave, but at least you stood your ground with your beliefs.
3.
Leave
There is no use in trying to make your partner understand your feelings about sex if they haven’t gotten it by step two. If they continue to press the issue, it is best to just walk away. Someone who loves you will
never push you to do something that you are uncomfortable doing, and will have your back when you make decisions. In the end, sometimes it is safer to leave than to risk heartbreak, rape, and relationship violence for your decision to abstain.
There is no reason to ever compromise with anyone about sex if you are not ready. Sex should be special, but most importantly it should be done on your terms. Love yourself, and never allow anyone to treat you badly for your decisions.
Stay true to yourself and never give in.
