Staff Editorial Combatting relationship pressures

OPINION The of PRESSURE Sex exciting. Or as spontaneous and natural in every relationship. This shouldn’t be the case. Relationships should not be all about sex. It is an intimate act that shouldn’t be had on a whim. Plus, a relationship is much more than that. And there are repercussions from treating it casually such as loss of self-respect, unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Although teens represent only onequarter of the sexually active population, they account for nearly half, or 9.1 million, new cases of STIs each year, according to a study by the Guttmacher Institute. Peer pressure is also a factor that needs to be combatted. It may seem like everybody around you is doing it. The truth is, girls and boys talk about sex more than they actually have it. But sometimes teens feel pressured to engage in it. Twenty-three percent of females feel pressure from their friends to have sex according to teens.lovetoknow.com. Some believe that if they don’t have sex they will be ostracized by their friends and peers. The thought of being “left out” or “behind” others can be enough for girls to pursue this avenue in a relationship. But according to womenshealthmag. com, the third most common sexual regret women have is moving too fast. Having sex is a something

“Fifty Shades of Grey" highlights the pressure for girls to engage in sexual that is permanent. Don’t make it a regret. Another obstacle to combat is getting into an unhealthy relationship. Pressure from the media behavior that comes from the media, and peers can be intimidating and lead girls to boys and society’s protrayal of love. make a decision they regret, but pressure from a partner can have a lasting impact. According to

THIS EDITORIAL REPRESENTS THE VIEW OF healthychildren.org, 70 percent of women who had

THE LE JOURNAL STAFF. TWENTY OUT OF 21 sex for the first time at the age of 16 or younger

VOTED IN SUPPORT OF THIS VIEW. wished they had waited longer for their first time. A loving partner would not expect you to do

The lights are off. The theater is dark. Everyone something you weren’t ready for. So if a partner sits extremely still trying to avoid drawing attention pressures you, he does not love you. For women, to themselves in fear they will see someone they the biggest sex woe is having lost their virginity know. Some even slouch in their chairs. Some to the wrong person, according to recent research teenagers snuck into the movie. Parents came published in the “Archives of Sexual Behavior.” because they secretly enjoyed the books. In some cases a person may even use verbal or

“Fifty Shades of Grey” is the type of movie physical abuse to force a woman to do things she most are embarrassed to see and even more doesn’t want to. Other times a partner may use the embarrassed to like. Not because they secretly excuse that they will dump you if you don’t do what think Jamie Dornan is attractive or that they were they want. These types of actions aren’t healthy for somehow rooting for Dakota Johnson to be happy the woman or the aggressor. in the end. But because it would mean that deep Although glamorized in characters such down the masochistic movie, designed around one as Christian Grey, no one should ever put their of the most unhealthy relationships ever, wasn’t off hands on your body without your permission. Any putting. And that scares them. hesitation is enough to warrant a no.

Sex can be a controversial topic. It makes The pressures for girls to have sex isn’t a people squirm and cringe, but it is the reason new issue. From the beginning of time women’s that everyone on the planet is alive. However, this sexuality was used as an object to be taken. Today movie created a relationship based solely on sex, the pressure has been magnified. There is scarcely with a signed contract to dictate behavior. a television show, movie or even an advertisement

As high school girls, there are expectations that doesn’t have sex portrayed. It is either a selling in every relationship. Some expectations are from point, the prize or something to be bragged about you, your partner and from society. The pressure with friends. It is everywhere. to be sexually active is evident today, but it can and Letting the media, your partner or peers should be combatted. dictate if you have sex isn’t healthy. Be the girl to The first challenge to combat the pressures talk to your parents about sex. There is nothing of society lies in the media’s presentation and wrong with that. Also know your boundaries and the media’s portrayal of relationships. Today’s your body. Look for the warning signs of pressures movies and television drive the sex conversation. such as making you feel bad about wanting to

Innuendos and graphic scenes are common in all wait or physically hurting you when you say no. movies from “Annie” to “DUFF” to “50 Shades Every relationship is different and every person is of Grey.” These scenes and movies give girls false different. Women don’t have to be the “submissive” views about sex. It is portrayed as casual and to another Mr. Grey, or to the type of movie sex symbol many women in society portray.

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