A�
A�A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A�A� A� A� A� A�Be safe this ValentinesA�

At this time of year it can feel as though everyone has a girl/boyfriend, but don’t feel pressurised in to doing something you don’t want to doA�just so you also have a partner on Valentines Day. You can be romantic without having sex.

It can be really good being with someone and doing things together. (click here for BISH idea’s on how to be things you can doA�when you have no money)

But sometimes it canA�feel confusing and you might have feelings you haven’t had before.

Things you might worry about:

• Does he or she really like me?
• Is this relationship right for me?
• Should we have sex?
• What if we break up?
• What will my parents think?
• How can I tell someone I like them?

It can be helpful to think about what makes you want to be in a relationship and what feels right for you.

A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� Getting help and support A�

If you’re worried about your relationship you could talk to your boyfriend or girlfriend about how you feel. It often helps to prepare how you are going to say what you feel and to be clear about your thoughtsA�.

If you feel like you can’t talk to them. You could try:

• talking to someone you trust like a parent, teacher or other family member
• talking to a ChildLine counsellor in confidence

Or read here for message boards and advice on relationships from the brilliant and honest BISHA�A�sex and relationships advice site.A�

It’s OK to be confused or nervous about sex.

Having sex is a big decision and there are lots of things to think about if you are considering doing it, such as the risk of getting pregnant if you are femaleA�and not using any form ofA�contraception, and the risk of STI’s .A�Condoms willA�help prevent an infection from beingA�passed from one person to another during sex.A�Even if youA�are totally healthy, there’s no guarantee that the person you are planning to have sex with is. They might even have an infection and not realise it,A�so ita��s always best to be safe.

The most important thing to remember is that no-one has the right to make you do anything sexual you don’t want to do.

A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� A� For more info…

A�anyplanstonight.co.ukA�A�have a valentines campaign in Manchester (look for the billboard with the hearts and/or decks) promoting safer sex and contraception. Visit their website for more information, or our help pages.A�

Think U KnowA�is a website specifically for young people all about relationships, abuse and advice and support around sex, relationships and the internet.A�

NHSA�pages for young people have lots of Sex myths debunked, so visit them and test your knowledge.A�