Personal Relationships

Friends

Friends, male or female, can be your biggest support – if you fall out it can be really upsetting.

Try to be a good friend yourself. If you feel a friend has been unfair try to talk it through with them and sort it out.

Remember though that sometimes as people change so do friendships - if you find you haven’t got as much in common with old friends as you once had, don’t worry, new friends will come along to take their place. This might be most likely to happen when you move on to a new phase of your life such as starting work or going to a new college.

Wise up

Follow a day in the life of Darren, Dave and Jules and help them sort out some life changing dilemmas.

Click here to play Wise up on The Need 2 Know website

 

Young Free and Single?

Do you want to stay single or be in a relationship? It’s an individual decision that only you can make. You may feel like everyone around you is with somebody. Or, if you are in a steady relationship you could feel that you’re missing out on the chance to have a laugh with your mates or just do your own thing in your spare time.

The important thing is to go with your instincts and don’t feel afraid to get out of a relationship if its not what you want right now – as long as you let the other person down gently.

Should I have sex?

It’s a personal decision; no one else can make it for you, and no one should pressure you into having sex. Remember though that legally you should not have sex until you and your partner are 16.

Everybody’s Doing It?

Sometimes, it may seem like everybody’s doing it, but the fact is:

• Most young women don’t have sex until they are at least 17
• Most young men don’t have sex until they are 16
• Lots more wait until they are older and in a long term relationship

….some people lie about whether they have had sex.

In some cultures and religions it is expected that sex will only take place within a committed, loving relationship recognised by marriage.

See our pages on sexual health and contraception for more info.

Contacts and Helplines

Sexwise helpline For under 19s only open 7.00am to midnight 7 days a week
Tel: 0800 28 29 30

Sexuality

If you are gay, lesbian or bisexual (or think you might be), when it comes to sex and relationships, you will have all the same issues to consider as somebody who is straight, plus a whole load more besides.

• Am I gay or straight?
• Who should I tell and when?
• How do I deal with homophobia and discrimination?
• How do I meet people?

You don't have to change yourself or your social life just because you have a different sexual preference to some of your mates. Life can go on as normal, however it may help to talk to or read things written by people who have gone through the same thing as you.

Joining a group run by gay people for gay people, will give you the support of people who understand exactly what you are going through, and will be especially helpful if you feel uncomfortable discussing everything with your mates.

Contacts and Helplines

Leicester Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Centre Helpline For Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual young people and those questioning their sexuality.
Tel: 0116 255 0667

Leicester Parents Support Group Support and help to parents of Lesbian and Gay children who find it difficult to come to terms with their children's sexuality
Tel: 0116 254 7412

First Out Youth Group For Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual young people and those questioning their sexuality.
Tel: 0116 254 7412

Last Updated: 17-Oct-2007