My Story
Having grown up in a very conservative Baptist home, I don't even recall the word SEX even being spoken. It was a taboo topic. In fact, I wasn't even entirely sure what it was.
The one and only time it was even hinted at was when I was 15. My Dad sat me down and had "the talk". Now, bear in mind, I was somewhat of an early bloomer. At the age of 13 I was already 6' tall and beginning to shave. By the time I was 15 I was 6'5", fully developed, wearing size 12 shoe and had finished growing.
My Dad sat me down in my bedroom in a very uncomfortable manner. This is what he said to me. "Son, you are growing up. I just want you to know that you may notice your body changing. Its normal." then after an pause, "And you might get an erection. If you do, don't worry about it. It will go away." Another awkward silence... "Do you have any questions?" "No Dad.""Well if you do just let me know."
I remember as he left my room I wasn't sure weather to laugh or cry. The main thought in my mind was "Oh Dad! If you only knew." I had already gotten my sex education by reading every book in the public library. I had already begun shaving on my own with no help or explanation. As for the erection... well...needless to say I knew all about those.
That's the only sex talk my parents and I ever had.
But it isn't the only thing they ever taught me. In future posts I'll talk more about this. In the mean time, I would love to hear your experiences. What, when, how did your parents teach you about sex? What did you learn from them? How did it impact your life? How do you differ from them?
I'm interested in knowing other people's stories. I think it could help us today have a better understanding of why everywhere we turn there is talk about sex, yet no one is really talking about it in a productive manner.
When you respond to this post include your age (if you are comfortable with that), state and sex. And anything else you think might shed light on the subject. I think we'll see some common threads after a while.
I look forward to hearing from you!
How do you feel about girls getting the vacination for HPV? Do you feel like it somehow gives a permision to have sex? Do you feel it gives some false sense of security about sexual behavior?
How much of our view of sex is formed by pop culture? Does music and entertainment really impoact our views and feelings about sex? What do you think? I'd like to hear your opinion.
If you are female, how do you handle it when you get unwanted "attention" from men who are disrespectful or inappropriate in their comments or behaviors around you?
Its 2008, time to TALK. Don't let another year go by without becoming more comfortable with those "uncomfortable" subjects. How? TALK ABOUT IT. That's the only way. The only reason you are uncomfortable talking about it is because you were taught to be uncomfortable talking about it. Make 2008 the year to TALK about it!
