The truth is out there

S E X

• Develop strategies for responding to pressure... "I have plans for the future" "I'll wait" "I have the right to change my mind"

• Be assertive when saying NO... Be firm when communicating and your body language must also be showing the same thing. Remember you don't need to give reasons.

• Close friends are for talking together. Share your feelings with your friends and especially with your date - you will gain greater respect for each other.

• Recognise your "comfort zone". What's making you uncomfortable ... what is your "gut feeling" telling you?

• Seek out friends who feel the same as you do. Support each other when the pressure is on.

• Alcohol and drugs cloud your judgement, affect your decision making and can mess up your life.

• Look for positive things in yourself and go with these. Put your energy into making the best of "YOU". This will make you feel good about yourself ... and then you'll make good decisions.

• Talk to someone like your parents or other adults you trust if you are having trouble making a decision about something. Sometimes friends don't have all the information.

• Don't believe the "safe sex" message. No contraceptive is 100% effective. Condoms have a failure rate of 15% - 35%.

• Pills, Spermicides, IUDs and Diaphragms can fail and have side effects.

• Self control means you're IN CONTROL.

Value yourself as the important person you are - believe in your ability to make good decisions about your life.

These are only general suggestions. You should always seek outside help if you are unsure what to do. If you need to talk to someone right now you can call

OPEN DOORS COUNSELLING
5 Greenwood Ave Ringwood. 3134
Ph: (03) 9870 7044
Freecall outside Melbourne 1800 647 995
Email: info@opendoors.com.au

Updated May 2005