sexuality

Sexuality can be so confusing! So many terms, concepts, and ideas that it is sometimes hard to keep up with. So, let's break it down a bit.

Sexual orientation is a person's natural attraction to others. This refers to how people think and feel.

Sexual behavior is the sexual activity in which a person chooses to engage. This refers to what people do.

Sexual identity is how a person identifies herself or himself. This refers to what people say and choose to call themselves, or identify themselves.

Unfortunately, we live in a culture that both embraces and rejects issues surrounding sex and sexuality. These mixed messages make it particularly difficult for parents and other caregivers to discuss sexual matters at home. Since we are constantly bombarded with mixed messages, social pressures may conflict with family values creating a big problem when it comes to sexual education at home.

Thinking back on my own childhood I learned about sexual matters from my friends, and I might add most of the information was grossly incorrect. How about you?