Dealing With Feelings
Figuring out who you are, who you like and what you like can be a lot to take in, especially if you’re new to dating, hooking up and the world of relationships.
You might find yourself in situations you haven’t been in before and not know how to feel, what to do or how to respond. Here are some examples of scenarios to get you thinking about what responses and sexual health practices might be best for you.
You're dating this guy and things are going well. He tells you that he wants to meet your parents, but you're not ready yet because you're not out to your family. He starts pushing to invite himself over to your family dinners more. You're feeling pressured by him and you tell him that you don't like it.
What should you do?
(Check out our section on coming out.)
You really like this guy and want to have sex with him but… he never wants to use a condom.
What are your options for safer sex?
(Check out our page on preventing HIV.)
You’ve been texting with this guy and he finally invites you over to Netflix and chill at his place. You're feeling a bit nervous but curious and excited. When you get there, you have a great conversation with him and feel a strong connection. He leans over to kiss you and you like it. He starts to touch your hips but you hesitate and start feeling increasingly uncomfortable and unsure. You tell him to pause but he doesn't.
What should you do?
(Check out our page on dating & hooking up, especially our sections on consent and apps.)
You're making out with a guy on your bed and things are getting hot. Before anything else happens, he stops to tell you that he's living with HIV and has an undetectable viral load. You're not totally sure what that means and you don't know if you need to use a condom or not, or if you even want to date someone who is living with HIV.
What do you say?
(Check out our page on U=U.)
Earlier today you had sex with this guy without a condom or another form of protection. It felt good at the time but now you're a bit worried. You don't know him very well. What if he has HIV?
What should you do?
(Check out our page on getting tested.)