What do parents and friends think of love and relationships? You’re in love and there’s nothing you’d like more than to go out with that boy or girl. But what do your parents and friends think? And how important is that to you? I don’t want my parents to know RACHIDA, AGE 14: ‘I’ve often been in love, but have never dared to say anything. I really don’t want my parents to know, as they don’t want me to have a boyfriend before I get married.’ In love with a boy OSCAR, AGE 16: ‘I’d known for a while that I was gay but didn’t dare to talk about it. Then I fell madly in love, so did tell a couple of friends. It took them a while to get used to it, but now they think it’s perfectly normal. That’s great.’ I don’t need to be ashamed SAM, AGE 15: ‘When I fell in love, my mother was the first one I told. I can tell her anything without feeling ashamed. That’s really cool.’ The first thing they think of is sex ELVIRA, AGE 14: ‘I’ve been in love with a boy for a while and he’s mad about me too. But I don’t want to tell my parents. They’ll think I want to go to bed with him straightaway. That’s how they were with my sister. It’s so stupid because I’m not even thinking about that yet.’ My best friend ROMY, AGE 14: ‘I think I’m in love with my best friend. Whenever I’m near her, I get butterflies in my tummy. Sometimes I think she’s in love with me too, because she looks at me in a special way. But I don’t dare to start talking about it. I’m afraid I’ll scare her off.’ If there’s something you need to talk about Being in love can be hard. So you may want to talk to someone. • Choose a quiet moment. • Think about who you want to talk to. • Be honest about what’s bothering you, it’ll help. • It may be easier to chat online or while you’re doing something: going to school or walking the dog. LONG LIVE LOVE 5 Want to know more about puberty, love or homosexuality? App, call or email with Sense: www.sense.info 0900 4024020
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