Whether you’re in a relationship or not, the pressure to have sex has affected every teenager. It’s in the media, TV shows, movies and even in most conversations you hear walking down the halls of Mill Valley. Some people feel as if they won’t be socially accepted until they comply with these standards, but no one should have to feel like that.. Read on for tips on how to tune out the pressure.

1. Think about what sex means to you. Sex could be serious or minor depending on the person. Deciding what it means to you, when you’re going to do it, what precautions you’re going to take and even just trying to find a better understanding of what it is can be helpful to your decisions and actions.

2. Learn to say no. Some people are people pleasers, it’s just who they are. They say yes to everything hoping to make everyone happy but in the end forget their own happiness. If you don’t want to have sex, say no. If your significant other won’t take no for an answer then they most definitely do not deserve you

3. If you’re in a relationship, talk to your partner about it. Talk about if you’re ready, when you think you might be ready and how you want it to go. Communication is crucial to a decision like this no matter how significant or insignificant you think sex is.

4. Be open on the subject. The more willing you are to talk about it, the easier it will be to decide what to do and how you feel.

5. Be unapologetically yourself. Don’t be embarrassed to express your feelings and beliefs; these are important things that you must stick to. Don’t be sorry for viewing something a certain way because in the end your decisions are what will stay with you the rest of your life.

6. Don’t feel the need to give reasoning. The fewer obligations you feel that you have, the better. It tones down the pressure and strengthens you mentally.

7. Talk to your parents or a trusted adult. This tip is a bit cliché but I am a firm believer in learning from someone with experience. It should not be an awkward conversation because sex is something that people should be able to talk about maturely and openly. Even just asking simple questions like when they knew they were ready can guide you in the right direction.

Above all, stay true to yourself and make decisions that will make you happy.