Sexuality & Sexual Health: Miscellaneous / Question
Published: January 16, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
What role does sexuality play in a social relationship?
Signed: Sexuality & Social Relationships
Dear Sexuality & Social Relationships,
Wow, this is a difficult question to answer. In general, sexuality refers to anything that has to do with sex. It is not only about having sex, or taking part in sexual behaviors - sexuality is also about how the person you feel you are, your body, how you feel as a boy or girl, the way you dress, move and speak, the way you act and feel about other people. These are all parts of who you are as a person, from your birth until you die - your whole lifetime long. Everyone has his or her own way of being or feeling sexual. Sexuality also includes things like sexual identity and sexual preference, as well as actual sexual behaviors.
That being said, sexuality will play a different role in each social relationship. With someone that you are interested in dating or starting a relationship with, there will most likely be more flirting and touching than with someone that you just consider a friend. Relationships with boyfriends or girlfriends will have more emotional and physical sexual components than interactions with teachers, doctors or coaches. Each different kind of social relationship you encounter will have an appropriate level of sexual energy as well, which should become clearer as you mature through adolescence. For example, it is ok to flirt and be sexual with people your own age whereas it is inappropriate to do so with your boss or older neighbor.
Your teenage years are a time in your life where you are coming to terms with your sexuality, sexual identity and sexual preference. A lot of teenagers feel sexual preference is a very big part of their sexuality, and FX has answered some questions on that topic, including Gay, Straight, Bisexual? and Straight?. In addition, you can find more general information about sexuality at www.sexualitydata.com or www.teensexuality.org. Also, many teenagers have difficulty coming to terms with their sexuality and need help dealing with all the issues associated with it. If this is confusing you or making you feel bad, try to find someone to talk to about this, like a family member, doctor or school counselor.
If you have a more specific question about sexuality and social relationships, do not hesitate to write again!
Signed: TeenHealthFX
The reality of excessive interest rates and fees that often accompany credit card use for teens, can put youngsters in a position where they are losing out on admission to graduate school, getting a job, or renting an apartment because of damaged credit history.
