I'm a big fan of setting some intentions too. I like the way you put it, Mo, that it is more centered around the coming months instead of the big daunting whole year. For me, my intentions are to live very presently and connect with the people around me. Like Nicole, I am going to be graduating soon...

Hi Beepboop, Romantic attraction is not something that we tend to have the ability to control. In terms of sexuality, you are the one who decides what you feel and for whom, and at what point in your life these feelings come up. It is completely normal to have experienced romantic attraction towards...

Hi OddEggplant859, Sometimes it can take many iterations to find a system that works for us. I know that it has taken me years to find organizational and tracking systems that work for me because they are so individual. It's good to hear that you have reflected on yourself and are trying a new habit...

Hi Anonymous275, Relationships with parents can definitely be tricky to navigate sometimes because one word that almost always sums up family is complicated. But, that also means that there is a lot of room and hope for growth to find a dynamic that works for you and them. It would be helpful to kno...

Hi Rocko, Finding close connections with friends can be super hard and quite lonely at times too but that is not something that is frequently talked about. Instead, we are given these portrayals of linking arms with the first person we see and then we're best friends for life-- but it doesn’t tend t...

Hey 42, I first off want to say that I do not think that it is selfish to want to protect your own privacy and agency as well as to look out for her other clients. I also do not think that was a fair thing for your mother to ask of you because your intention was to speak up and advocate for yourself...

Hi Dona, I hope you don't mind me chiming in to respond to your last post. It definitely does sound like you are putting a lot of pressure on yourself and on this one act as well which I could, understandably, see leading to less arousal and more difficulty-- and cue the starting of a cycle. Since a...

Hi gizmoX, Sounds like you listened to yourself about wanting to slow down and I'm glad to hear that you found that guide about polyamory useful and were able to pass it along to your partners. How did that conversation with them about polyamory go? We you three able to decide how you all would like...

Hi theansweris42, It was great to catch up on your thread and read about the dive into hormones and also to see how you are navigating your own healthcare and emotions about your health! It's amazing to hear that you had such a good time with him, genuinely connecting with others is one of the best ...

Hi elemd11, It is totally normal to be a little nervous and confused learning about something completely new to you and that is the whole reason we are here and this site was made-- to support people like you. If you feel like this is not the right time for you to start experimenting with your body ...

Hi whitesp4ce, I definitely want to echo Sam above and say that it sounds like you absolutely made the right call ending things with your previous boyfriend since that behavior is quite manipulative. That also sounds like an extremely hurtful and traumatic relationship you were in which makes sense ...

Hi MusicNerd, I hear you that opening up to people can be pretty scary because being vulnerable is extremely challenging, especially if we don't have a lot of practice at it (I've definitely been there!). Sometimes when I have been in similar situations it has been really helpful for me to remember ...

Hi 42, I think it is totally reasonable to talk to her about those things and even ask about what her credentials are, her confidentiality, additionally stressing how you do not feel comfortable and safe talking to her. You could also bring up (I think it was said previously in this thread) asking h...

Hi Edhelraen, It sounds like seeing an OB/GYN about this issue will help you have some peace of mind since you have had some problems arise in the past around your cycle. However, it can be normal for some fluctuation in the blood flow throughout your period. From what I have read from your posts it...

Hi Anne, No worries that many of those things did not resonate with you. We are all so individual about what we do or do not find enjoyable. One of the main purposes behind that post was to show the breadth of things that can be used as a form of self-care. At its essence, for me at least, taking ca...

Hi 42, I haven't popped onto this thread in a while but it was great to catch up and see some new excitement and hope around finding a way to get you the independence that you have been needing and wanting for so long. I hear you on the fact that no one really teaches kids all the "life" t...

Hi Anne! I've been following along on your thread and have brainstormed some ideas that require minimal supplies if any. I feel you with the cold weather at the moment (I'm in upstate New York and we have definitely entered the dreary winter). I can list some of the ideas that I thought of or know t...

I have written and re-written what I want to post on this thread quite a few times because nothing quite captures what I feel in the wake of more violence to a community that I love. So, what I feel is a lot. I will shamelessly admit that I had to pull up an emotion wheel to try and figure out all o...

For those other scenarios, since there is ejaculate involved there is some pregnancy risk but it would be categorized as lower risk depending on the amount of fluids, how close to the genitals, and how recent. Sperm can survive for about 15-30 minutes outside of the body (dry surfaces or skin). If t...

Hi theansweris42, First of all, I do want to reiterate Sam's post about the therapist that it is unethical for them to see you in that capacity. However, if you have no other choice than to go see this person then make sure you tell them that you were forced to go and get their help to intervene in ...

Hi Knr, I'm not quite sure if I'm understanding you correctly. But, what I think I'm hearing from your last post is that one of the main things you are dealing with are fatphobic comments from your psychiatrist. However, you have to keep seeing them at the moment because they are prescribing you med...

Hi 42, That is a beautiful quote and I'm glad you shared it-- I added it to a list of favorite quotes of mine! Feeling like you've made progress just to feel like you are back in the same place again can be exhausting and disheartening, but there is always a path forward. I hear you because vocalizi...

Hi theansweris42, It's good to hear from you again and no worries about the response delay, we will always be here when you need us. I'm glad to hear that your school does have a counselor because they are a resource that is explicitly there to support you, that is their whole role. However, I know ...

Hi garfieldfan and welcome to Scarleteen! I first want to acknowledge that it sounds like a difficult time for you right now. I want to assure you that this is not an uncommon thing for people to experience after a breakup at all, so you're not alone. Are you aware of what tends to make you feel the...

Hi Maximil, People with penises tend to need a brief break after ejaculation which is the "refractory period." This is the amount of time when the body is not able to achieve orgasm again. The length of that time depends from person to person but it can be around 15-20 minutes. People with...