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As summer ends (or winter, depending on where you are!) and a new school year (or semester) starts, it's normal to feel some stress. Okay, maybe even a lot of stress. Some of the challenges are social, some are school/workload related, or simply the change in routine can throw us off. How are you pl...

Yes, using both of those methods will have reduced your risk versus not using either or only using one. However, we can't guarantee you aren't pregnant because it's been too soon to know and we're not medical professionals. If the condom didn't break and you did everything else by the book, the risk...

It's not wrong to use a certain term or label for yourself and later on realize it doesn't feel fitting anymore. People are fluid, sexuality is fluid, we're always changing and evolving. Like I said, you don't have to pick a specific label and if you do, it doesn't have to be permanent. We can't tel...

Hi there, anony-moose, welcome to the boards! You don't HAVE to use a condom on your personal dildo when used to masturbate, although it's recommended like you stated for sanitary reasons, so if you have easy enough access to them do so - but otherwise, you can also just make sure to wash your dildo...

Hi elys, welcome to the boards. It seems like we have a lot to unpack here, so I wanted to start by asking if there's a specific thing you wanted to discuss or get advice on first, so we can focus on that? I also wanted to just say that if the man twice your age met you before you were even 18 (you ...

Hi Rachel 1,
Did you get a chance to read Nicole's previous answer, and was it helpful? I fully agree with her, and everyone else who has chimed in on this thread, and would appreciate if you can make sure to read their responses and let me know your thoughts on those before we move forward.

It's outside our scope, but perhaps another user that has experience in this will be able to give you some advice!

The thing is, sexuality isn't this black or white thing that needs to have a super specific and permanent label. It's a spectrum, it can and often does change over time, and it isn't always as obvious and clear as you might think it is. We can't really answer whether you're attracted to women or wha...

That's a crappy thing to say to a friend, I'm sorry they said that. You know, you'd be surprised at how many people, especially at your age but honestly at all ages, feel lonely and struggle with friendships. Even people who seem like they have plenty of friends can feel lonely. That being said, it'...

It sounds like you both really respect each other's boundaries and that's wonderful, now you have to trust each other that you'll communicate those boundaries and when/if you're ever uncomfortable. This can help ease some of the anxiety if you know you would KNOW if she's not comfortable - of course...

There's really no one way it 'has' to be - it's more like, it GETS to be however you want and are comfortable with. For some people, that might mean pushing through with anxiety and just doing it anyway. For others, it's avoiding it when anxious. You two, together, get to decide what makes most sens...

Hi there, welcome to the boards! I want to start this conversation by asking a couple questions so I can have more context and be able to give you better advice. You mentioned being scared of what your mom would think - I'm wondering why she has to know about it? It makes me ask to what extent you a...

Hi there, welcome to the boards. Sperm doesn't live very long outside the body, so even if you had ejaculated and got some on your fingers and then had manual sex 5-10 minutes later, you'd not really have to worry. Since it was pre-ejaculate, you're even safer. It might be best from now on to wash y...

Hi there, welcome to the boards! You're absolutely correct that the whole sperm race narrative is an oversimplification, and in reality, it's less of a marathon and more of an obstacle course. On top of that, the sperm aren't the only ones working - the egg cells are doing a lot too, for example. I ...

Don't apologize! We love these good news updates

Just want to jump back in and say I'm so glad to hear this update! You deserve to be taken seriously by your gyno, so that's awesome, and I hope she'll be someone you can keep working with

That makes sense. There's a lot of sensationalized media around trans people, and it's understandable that you don't want to play into it. Do you want to talk about this with the goal of easing that anxiety, and being more comfortable with your identity? Or if you'd prefer we can focus more on how y...

That makes a lot of sense - virtual/phone therapy is a great option for some people, but for others, it means your family might overhear. Are there any consistent times when you're home alone, like a certain day of the week at a certain time? If not, do you think you could sit somewhere a bit more s...

Yep - many people are undiagnosed and might never even know they have something like endo because they think everyone experiences that much pain during their period, or are just reluctant to bring it up to a healthcare professional and/or would rather just "tough it out". The truth is, as ...

Hi there, welcome to the boards! You worded it just fine, and I want to assure you there's nothing wrong with what you're doing. When we fantasize about someone like a celebrity, we're not really harming them or anyone. There's nothing really unethical about having those thoughts and masturbating to...

Hi swimminginspace, I just wanted to jump in and add that I'm proud of how self aware you are and how you're both acknowledging that this situation sucks while also seeing the positive and not giving up on finding a chosen family. I do hope your new friendship is longlasting but also remember that i...

That's a great start! Tighter shirts you're comfortable with are a good place to start, and it's okay to push past your previous comfort levels if it's something you know you want and as long as it isn't affecting you/causing you body dysmorphia. The wonderful thing is you can now start exploring di...

Hi ZionP, I'm just jumping in to let you know we're a bit backed up today but will get back to you tomorrow!

You're right in your frustrations about the dance, those rules are unfair and don't help your feelings of wanting to be perceived the same as everyone else. Society does "other" queer people, as you have unfortunately found out firsthand, and it's a valid thing to be frustrated and upset a...

So there are a few options here, and while yes, perhaps it is best to discuss whether the relationship should continue or not (given that you two want different things), I don't want to go that route yet unless it's what you want. It sounds like you're still fully in it and wanting to find a way to ...