Dear Livvy...

Dear Livvy, I was asked by my boyfriend to send a nude. I feel pressured into sending it because he said that I would be a “prude” if I didn’t and that all our friends are doing it. –Pressured to Sext

Dear Pressured to Sext, Let’s be clear, you’re not a prude if you say no; in fact, you’re not alone. You may think all your peers are sexting, but did you know that only 15% of adolescents have ever sent a nude?1 This number has been steadily going down! Plus, standing up to someone else’s demands on the other side of the screen shows value and respect. You are not just a body. You are a whole and complete person with unique talents and gifts. You have a sense of humor and a personality. Nudes destroy that. A sexually explicit image of yourself treats your body like a disposable object and often, women who send nudes regret it.

Dear Livvy, A random guy contacted me through social media and started telling me how beautiful I am. I have no clue who he is. What do you think of this? What should I do? –Randomly Beautiful

Dear Randomly Beautiful, This is a red flag, and you should not respond. Just delete his message. It’s scary, but this could be an online predator trying to meet up with you in order to kidnap, assault or sell you into trafficking. Predators convince young girls and even guys that their beauty will land them a modeling job, only to find themselves victims of prostitution, pornography and slave labor. If he continues to contact you, tell your parents or a teacher. If he sends you a sexually explicit image, report him to the authorities.

Dear Livvy, It seems like all girls at school have a boyfriend besides me. I can’t help but feel a little jealous and well, to be honest, desperate. I can’t help it. I just really want a boyfriend! What should I do? –Really Want a Boyfriend

Dear Really Want a Boyfriend, I understand where you’re coming from. It’s a natural part of being a girl to want a guy to choose you. You are not alone. It’s an illusion that everyone has a boyfriend! As you wait, I have a couple of ideas. Concentrate on developing into the kind of woman you want to be. Spend time on the things you enjoy. Develop solid friendships. This is the best thing you can do in this time. Friendships are important to have at every stage of life! It can be easy to find someone and become infatuated to the point where your identity is wrapped up with them, causing breakups to leave you feeling like you’ve lost yourself. Have more questions for Livvy?

Write to her at j4gmagazine.com