#JustBe Magazine November 2015 | Page 5

TRENDS

So, before you hook up with that new freshman,
here are three important questions to ask yourself:

#1. WHAT #2. HOW
ARE YOUR WILL YOUR

#3. ARE
YOU

intentions?

breaking
the law?

parents

FEEL?
A younger girl/guy is
often less experienced in
relationships; therefore,
easier to influence.
This is very dangerous
when it comes to
getting intimate and
wanting to take things
further (sexually) than a
younger person may be
ready for.
So check your heart
and really examine
your motives. Pursuing
anyone for selfish
reasons or to take
advantage of them can
be very harmful to
both you and the other
person.

Although they aren’t
perfect, our parents are
in our lives to guide us
and help us make the
best decisions. Odds
are they won’t be super
excited to learn that
their 18 year old son
wants to date a 13 year
old girl (or their 18 year
old daughter is going out
with a 14 year old boy).

For those of you who
are 17 and up, listen
carefully. In Texas, it is
illegal for you to have
sex with someone who
is 16 or younger. Since
boyfriend/girlfriend
relationships can easily
lead to sex, it’s best to
avoid dating anyone
who doesn’t meet the
legal age criteria.

So keep them in the
loop about your dating
choices, and listen when
they give you advice.
It will be more helpful
than you think.

Just so you know
how serious it is, the
consequences for
breaking the law and
having sex with a
minor include penalties
ranging from 1 to 50
years in prison and
registration as a sex
offender.

not a cougar or tyga.
just a cat.

©2015 The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston