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Practices

are "What I Do" or actions you take with your body.

abstinence

Abstinence

Is making a choice to not have sex.

You can be in a relationship, even if you do not have sex.

Talk to your partner about your choice.

You can make this choice because of how you feel about sex.

You may choose this because it fits your religion or culture.

Each person can have their own reason.

Resource:


watch video

Uly on Abstinence and Boundries

Project Shine Video Click here to go to another website.

Self-touch (or masturbation)

Is a private touch of your own private body parts. This is a type of sex.

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Pros

  • Self-touch brings pleasure to the body.
  • Self-touch can help you learn about your own body and what feels good to you.
  • Self-touch is a type of safe sex. You will not get an infection or make a baby with self-touch.
  • If you feel a need for sex, self-touch can release that feeling.
  • Self-touch can lower stress, anxiety and pain.
  • Some people feel calmer and find it easier to sleep after self-touch.

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Cons

  • Self-touch in public is illegal.
    • If you self-touch in a public place, another person may think you are inviting them to share in sex. That is wrong.
  • Self-touch is private.
    • Others may not want to know about your self-touch.
    • You need to self-touch in private places only.
  • Self-touch can be messy.
    • You must clean your hands and body parts before and after self-touch.
  • Self-touch can hurt your skin.
    • If you rub too hard or too long, it may make your skin red or hurt.
    • You may use lube (also called lubricant) so your skin does not get sore. Do not use objects that could hurt you or get lost inside you.
    • Use objects that are made for self-touch, like your hands or dildos.

Resources:


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When Can I Touch Myself - Girls

When can I touch myself Social Story for Girls - Able2Learn

Social Story for Girls Click here to go to another website.
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When Can I Touch Myself -Boys

When can I touch myself Social Story for Boys - Able2Learn

Social Story for Boys Click here to go to another website.
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Different ways to start the conversation.

Worksheet- Having the Talks: Masturbation. Different ways to start the conversation. Amaze.

Having the Talks Worksheet Click here to go to another website.
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Sample Language for Key Messages

Worksheet Having the Talks: Masturbation. Sample language for key messages. Amaze.

Having the Talks Worksheet Click here to go to another website.
watch video

Sex Ed for People with Disabilities: Masturbation

Sex Ed for People with Disabilities: Masturbation 2 minute video - National Council on Independent Living

Video Click here to watch a video
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Intimacy

Is a strong bond with another person. There are different kinds of intimacy.

One kind is physical closeness with a romantic partner. It can start with dating and holding hands.

Closeness can grow to hugs, kisses, and dancing.

You can choose to share private touch with a partner. Both partners must agree on the type of touch they want. Sex is a private act with your body shared with an intimate partner.

 

Intimacy and sex are not the same thing as love.

Love is a strong bond between partners that often includes caring for each other, enjoying time together, and physical intimacy.

Here are some questions to consider.

Talk about your thoughts and questions with people you trust.

If you are getting ready to date, you may want to practice your answers to some of these questions.

  • Do you hope to date? Do you hope to find intimacy one day?
  • What are you looking for in a romantic partner?

  • What kinds of fun would you enjoy with a partner?
  • How will you ask a partner if they are interested in touching? How will you answer a partner if they ask you?

  • How will you ask a partner if they want sex? How will you answer a partner if they ask you?
  • Do you think about getting married?

  • Do you think about having a baby?
  • How do you plan if you want a baby? And how do you plan when you want a baby? Do you know how to protect from infections?

Resources:


watch video

Puberty: What is Intimacy?

Puberty: What is Intimacy? Amaze 3.5 minute video

What is Intimacy? Video Click here to watch a video.
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Puberty: Having Sex: Intimacy and Emotions

Puberty: Having sex: Intimacy and emotions. Amaze 2-minute video.

Intimacy and Emotions Video Click here to watch a video.
watch video

Healthy Relationships: Is it love?

Healthy Relationships: Is it love? Amaze 3-minute video.

Is it love? Video Click here to watch a video.