It's Youth Week!

We get a lot of questions from young people/rangatahi about relationships and sexuality. All questions are good questions and for Youth Week we are going to answer some of the most common questions we get asked by young people. 

Question of the Day # 4 

“What do you do when you really like someone but are too shy to tell them?”

It can feel very daunting telling someone how you feel about them, especially when you don’t know if they feel the same way. Becoming friends first is a great way to get to know the person better, and also to get a sense of how they feel about you. Think about what you have in common – are there opportunities to be near them as part of a sports team or group? 

If someone tells you they have feelings for you but you don’t feel the same way, be respectful and treat them the way you’d like to be treated.

Question of the Day #3 

"I have my period and I get embarrassed around my mum when I try to tell her." 

There is no need to feel embarrassed telling your mum you have your period. Your mum will want to know so she can help and support you if you need it. If you can't talk to your mum, is there another adult you might be able to talk with - an older sister, your aunty, your nanna or your dad? What about your teacher or the health nurse at your school? Half the world's population has their period at some time or another - it's just another step on the way to being a grown up. If would be nice though for you to have someone to talk with about it. Look around and see who might be your person. 

Read more. 

Question of the Day #2 

“Why don't people accept transgender and different gender relationships?”

Some people find it difficult to relate to people different to themselves and this can make them feel fearful or hostile towards what they cannot understand. Often it is based on misunderstanding or being influenced by others – often people in their lives who they respect, such as parents or friends. People’s opinions can change though, especially if they are open to learning and listening to other points of view. You have a role in all of this too - if you're warm, friendly and respectful to everyone, you're showing how to be inclusive and others will likely copy the way you're behaving. 

Question of the Day #1. 

“What can happen if you masturbate too much?”

Masturbation is a normal, healthy way to experience sexual pleasure and explore your body. As long as you are being gentle with yourself, you do it in a private place, and you are not masturbating so much that it is interfering with your everyday life, then it is perfectly safe.

Read more.