lets talk about sex

IF YOU ARE MY DAD, DO NOT READ THIS POST!!
that was your official warning...



Because i’m talking about sex. (don’t worry, i’m 19 so this is allowed) 
Ok so here’s the thing, growing up going to catholic school, this was a super quiet topic. But with my parents it wasn’t, and I’m super grateful for that. My parents (especially my mom) never made the topic of sex to be something gross or bad or dirty, and I think that plays a big part in why I am able to have a healthy relationship with my own sexuality today. Of course, my parents had conversations with me about waiting until I was ready, and was with someone I felt safe with...I also felt fully prepared in terms of knowledge around protection.


When I started getting serious with my boyfriend, I had an open conversation with my mom about getting on birth control, because I wanted to safe and responsible. She offered her thoughts and support, and told me it was my body and my choice. I wasn’t yet 18 but my mom still made it very clear that it was my body, and my choice, and I think that is so important. Being my mom, she obviously wasn’t encouraging me to go have sex, but she wasn’t judging or telling me what to do either. I felt empowered when I was given the information I needed but was also left to make my own decisions. 


I think this is really important when supporting young girls. It’s important that they are provided with all the information as well as all of their options. All we can do from there is guide and support them...NOT judge them! 


It was difficult coming into my own and starting to make my own decisions for myself when people around me at the time weren’t at that stage yet. I was judged and scoffed at, for being in a serious relationship. People ASSUMED I was having sex before I even was! People made me out to be a bad person because of the sheer possibility that I may or may not have been starting to have sex! I hope that sounds just as crazy to you as it does to me. Having sex doesn’t make someone a bad person. There are so many actual bad things that someone could be doing, and sex isn’t one of them at least in my eyes. 


All this being said, I want to reiterate that I am so grateful for the way I was raised. My parents made sure I was informed and responsible and beyond that, they didn’t try to control me or judge me. And that made me who I am today in all aspects. I hope to teach my future children the same way one day. 


-Maddi