Hi there! Hope it's okay that I'm jumping in here, too. It might help to clarify what "friends" means to you and what "dating" means to you, so you can set boundaries around what you want in either relationship. If you feel uncomfortable with the idea that "friends" can...

I think this pandemic is triggering a lot of people to realize that the things that they felt kept them safe - a routine, a steady job, paying rent and other bills, trusting the government - don't really keep them safe right now. I think that's part of why tensions feel so high and why everyone's tr...

Hey, girlplayer34, hope it's okay that I'm jumping in! Just wanted to say that it seems to me that the issue isn't with you or your height, but with the people around you. The only thing that seems different to me about Sam's tall friends and you is that they are around different people who aren't a...

Hi there! Our article about the combined pill, Combined Oral Contraceptives (The Pill) , says "If you don't take it at exactly the same time -- but still take it on the day you're supposed to -- that won't make your pills ineffective: it's just a safer bet to take it around the same time to kee...

Hi there! Firstly, that sucks and I'm sorry you're sometimes in pain and feel concerned! Secondly, I'm wondering if you have contacted a medical professional about your concerns. It might be more challenging to go into the doctor's office as it would be without a global pandemic, but is there a prim...

Hi, Fairo! Thanks for this question! I'm going to be using a few different articles for this answer: Birth Control Bingo! Condoms Fertility Awareness (FAM) Withdrawal The Buddy System: Effectiveness Rates for Backing Up Your Birth Control With a Second Method Why don't you start by checking out thos...

Hi, Bubbles! Glad to hear that you're back and seeking support for some of your anxiety in your friendships. I'm wondering what your therapist has to say about all of this and what advice they're giving you in this trying time. You mentioned that you've made a lot of progress with them, so it might ...

Hey, Brianne! Hope it's okay that I'm jumping in on this post. It sounds like you know what your boundaries are and what you wouldn't want to do with her. That's awesome! I'm glad to hear that you intend on focusing on making friends at camp and that you aren't just going to see her, which is great....

Hi, Xocat! You aren't harassing us at all, just trying to get some clarity. I'm so glad that lube and foreplay is helping your pain! That's so good to hear - keep having fun with foreplay, experimenting with different things that you can do. It makes a huge difference. Good on you for going to ask a...

Hi there, hope it's okay that I'm jumping in on this topic! I haven't personally packed before so don't have a lot of wisdom to share on that topic, but I agree with Sian that getting packing underwear could be the best way to go, or I'm interested to see if wearing two pairs of underwear would work...

Hi, BuddyBoi21 - hope it's okay that I'm jumping in on this post! First of all, I'm so glad to hear that meeting with your ex went well and that you both feel like you were able to be authentic and be accountable for your roles in the relationship ending. That's awesome and so relieving. I'm thinkin...

Hi, tomatopotato! I'm so glad to hear that you're having some friend crushes that feel good and that you're excited to get to know your friends! And yeah, who knows how those relationships will change in the future - building a really solid comfortable foundation being friends can be a fantastic way...

Hi, 90Hello09! Hope it's okay that I'm hopping in - just noticed that you mentioned feeling stressed about not enjoying masturbation and want to note that sometimes that stress associated with masturbation can make it feel like the stakes are even higher, like that every time you try it and it doesn...

I think internalizing and hearing that the way you are is sinful, wrong, or perverted over time can definitely be serious! Is there anything you feel like you're learning about self-love or self-compassion through this situation? There are definitely ways to move out of the house that don't involve ...

Hi Thea! I hope it's okay that I'm hopping in on this thread. Just want to vocalize more support for you - there's nothing wrong with you, and it's amazing that you're able to work through some internalized transphobia enough to recognize what you want and need and even consider vocalizing that onli...

Hi, KittyPink! Hope it's okay that I'm hopping in on this topic. I agree with Sam about rehearsing what you would want to say to this guy. Feeling centered and grounded when you go into a conversation like this is super important, as well as being flexible and understanding that you've had fun so fa...

I love this post !!!! :') - Reuniting with my partner tomorrow and his beautiful dogs and opening presents together! - Starting winter quarter at my school - I'm really excited about the classes I'll be taking and the new things I'll be learning. - listening to a new episode of a tarot podcast I rea...

Hi, Breeze! Just wanted to add to what Jacob was saying, which I completely agree with: not only is there nothing wrong with you wanting personal space and speaking your mind, but overthinking and compulsively worrying about "messing up" social interactions could put you in an even tougher...

Hi, Kunook! Thanks for visiting the boards. I agree with everything Heather is saying, and just wanted to mention that I relate to the feelings of deep guilt around telling someone no, changing my mind or changing plans, making someone unhappy, etc. Something I've been learning is that all ignoring ...

Hi! I agree with what Heather has to say about getting professional help - and I also just want to remind you that you're not falling behind, and you don't need to beat yourself up for having trouble in this department. Like Heather said, you can still definitely pursue meaningful relationships with...

Hi, KittyPink! I'm so glad you had success with this! It's so great that you feel accepted where you go to school.

I have a question for all of you! Lately I have been experiencing a lot of very physical anxiety which has never happened to me before. Stomach pains, headaches, my heart beating real fast for what seems like forever, easy overstimulation both visually and auditory. Something I've found to help me a...

Always ask questions if you have them, no shame! Exploring your sexual or romantic orientation doesn't have to be scary and painful. You're right that unlearning guilt and ptsd are really difficult processes, and I'm so sorry that exploring something natural and positive about yourself is triggering...

Hey Science_Geek! First of all, I really appreciate your honesty and vulnerability around all of this. Figuring out labels and identities can be so confusing and I really admire your strength in reaching out. I hear that you feel like something is wrong with you. I promise you, nothing is wrong with...

Hi, Allybannsiders! If you successfully took your pill and didn't notice the pill coming back up when you coughed, it was likely in your stomach already and won't be coming back anytime soon.