Letter to another Teen
"It is important to listen to your heart and do what you feel is right."
Moving away from the relationship you both share, it is important to determine whether or not your decision is being influenced by the media, friends, or family. For instance, you should not feel the pressure from your friends/family or the media that you should not be a virgin. If you are having sex because of such influences, then in the future your decision may impact you negatively. Like I said in the beginning, it is essential for you to listen to your heart and see what you truly want to do. Media, such as, advertisements or movies and you family/friends should not completely influence your decision.
Now, the most important and very serious factors you must consider are issues such as STI’s and birth control. I believe that it is important for you and your partner to be honest with each other about your pasts and also get tests done before engaging in any sexual activity. The reason behind this is because you do not want to have STI’s because it can devastate/ruin your life and also ruin many opportunities for you in life. So, in my opinion you both should be able to freely talk about this topic with one another to prevent horrific consequences. So let’s say you decided to have sex with your partner. It is very important for you to have a backup plan just in case if something goes wrong. You first must understand that condom and what are not 100% effective are, so make this decision on your own risk! However, you do have many more options available to you. You have birth control pills, day after pills, viginal rings, condoms, and many more. Just be sure you know how to use them and the pros and cons of each method. Also make sure you can afford which ever method you choose. Whatever you choose, think wisely with your partner.
Yours Truly,
Neha Kaura