Hi Brian, This article provides a list of self care activities that you can try. It isn't exhaustive, so you can use it as inspiration to find other activities that work for you as well. I understand your fear of disappointing your partner, but I think there is a very good chance that she would unde...

Hi Graham, welcome to the boards! I understand how it would be difficult to stay positive when it seems like you've had no results after years of effort and research. More information on what you've already tried and your habits would definitely be helpful, just so we don't recommend things that don...

Hi Renee, You're right. Bad things can happen to people through no fault of their own, but there are things we can do to minimize those chances and mitigate any negative effects. I'm glad you feel confident in your parents support, at least in some situations. And I don't think any of us hate them. ...

Hi Blu_envy, It is understandable that you're feeling a bit shaken, since you weren't ready for people to know about your interests. Try to remind yourself that there is nothing wrong with being kinky, or with being submissive and masochistic in particular. This may be new information to your roomma...

Hi Via, welcome to Scarleteen! Don't worry, your message isn't too long. First off, it is okay that you don't know how to feel about this girl. Sometimes feelings are complicated- that isn't your fault, and it doesn't make you a bad person. It sounds like you hadn't thought about being attracted to ...

Hi AQ, I'm sorry you're having such a bad time! Let us know if you would like to talk about what happened with your mother. I can't say I know much about these topics, but I was reading these articles recently: Earth from space: Shapeshifting rusty river winds through Madagascar's 'red lands' Eye of...

Hi there, Renee I think it can be really alienating when people who are supposed to know and love you don't see you for who you are at all. Just in case you need to hear this, it is okay to feel angry and frustrated with your parents for how they've been treating you. Sarcasm and jokes are well and ...

Hi ConfusedGrape, I have a question: Would you say that you feel aroused mentally, but not physically? Or does your enjoyment come from pleasing your girlfriend, without any mental arousal on your part? I don't think it is necessarily bad to discuss difficult emotional subjects like envy with your p...

Hi Skybushh,

So, something feels wrong or off, but you can't put your finger on what it is so you can talk about it... If I may ask, have you noticed this feeling during specific activities, or at specific times?

Hi Jay27, Given how you've described it, it makes so much sense that you're worried about being in pain. I wish I could tell you that there is something you can do to prevent this pain from occuring at all. But let's say you start with the smallest one, and it doesn't go in. Perhaps even though you'...

Hi there, iLilli What if you changed your guiding question to something like 'What specific behaviors/things/ways of being are interesting to me right now?'. Maybe you don't need to search for your true gender, as a thing that exists within you, separate from your traumas, expectations, sexuality et...

Hi Renee, It's true, there are these common stereotypes and narratives that don't actually describe your relationship with your partner at all. Hopefully, your parents will be able to look past these ideas and see your relationship as it is. Since you've had such a large gap in comunication with you...

Hi iLilli,

I understand how this can be so disheartening. Even when it feels hopeless, try to remember that your happiness and wellbeing are worth your own effort and the help of other people. You deserve to feel better than this.

Hey AQ!

Don't worry about replying late, there isn't any deadline for that. Would you like to talk about the hesitance you've been feeling around joining clubs? Maybe we can offer some advice. Has anyone made you feel unwelcome in social spaces because of your identities?

Hi Ren_eh! This sounds like a good plan. I do think it would be useful to have an answer prepared if they start asking about your sex life. A non-commital answer like "We've been taking it slow." might be enough if they don't push for more details. If they do, you don't have to lie. You co...

Hi Mechanicalbride, welcome to the boards! You know, this is not an unusual experience- so many people report that they have a hard time orgasming through vaginal stimulation. Often that is just because there aren't that many sensory nerve endings there, especially when compared to the clitoris. If ...

Hi there, Silly For what it is worth, I think you're doing great in your interactions with this person. You're communicating honestly, and it sounds like you're checking in with yourself to understand what you're ready to do and what your needs are. Stepping back from having sex right now is a good ...

Hi there, J23- welcome to the boards! Let's start with your first question: Plenty of people feel this kind of disconnect or feel unsure about their sexuality. We get so many questions with these sentiments- it is not abnormal at all. I understand why you want to feel sure about this, but learning a...

Hi Nat! I don't think the dry mouth is anything to worry about. Your seasonal allergies could be contributing to it, but also, just breathing through your mouth or keeping it open for a while can cause dryness all on its own. Now, about these transmed beliefs. I don't know the context for these disc...

Hi AQ, What strange and rude behavior from these people! From the questions about your relationship and gender to the dog noises... I'm sorry you had to deal with all that, and I understand why it might have made you feel uncomfortable or even afraid. Still, I really hope this won't discourage you f...

Hi Angelsswings, You deserve to get the help you need, I'm sorry that money is proving to be an obstacle. I'm wondering if there may be some more affordable ways for you to access therapy. Some therapists offer sliding scale options for payment, for one. Universities and other places that train ther...

Hi Letsgooooo1234, I'm sorry you've been struggling with these feeling of guilt for so long! I agree that this just seems like child sex play, not any kind of sexual abuse. You didn't do anything terrible or nastyy. You were just being a curious kid. It is normal for children to be interested in peo...

Hi Gio9, welcome to the boards!

Don't worry, there isn't any risk of pregnancy in the situation that you've described.

Hi Trixieandtoast!

Just to clarify, did you have a question about this draft?

Hi Deerofrot! Welcome to the boards, and congratulations on your relationship! It is good to hear that your mother would support you dating in general- that should make it easier for her to listen to you about this. As with any sensitive conversation, try to have this discussion when everyone has en...