Over the past couple of years, I have written articles on several issues that frighten people.
My goal has always been to inform my audience so that they can avoid or minimize problems in their relationships. As the school year draws to an end, I want to reiterate some of the lessons.
Abstinence is a great way to avoid unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Getting to know your partner and monogamy are also good ideas. Although not perfect, condoms do reduce the risk of some diseases and pregnancy.
Sexually active people should also learn about and employ the most effective contraception. And last, vaccines are available for some STIs, e.g. human papilloma and hepatitis A and B.
If a relationship is going bad or jealousy rears its ugly head, people need to talk to one another in an open, non-attacking style to seek resolution. If this fails, counseling maybe necessary.
If there is a threat of danger from a partner seek help. There are ways out of abusive relationships, e.g. YWCA and other help lines. We have great resources information on the Pierce College web site: www.pierce.ctc.edu/dist/ counseling.If you are fearful that gays will take over the world, rest easy, they just want the same rights as others in our society.
Gays are not out recruiting innocent straights. There is no credible evidence that a straight person can be turned gay, nor a gay person turned straight. If you are gay, transgendered, bisexual, or questioning there are resources and people who can help you suicide is not the answer (see past web site for further info).
If you feel that you are not a competent lover; there are numerous books that give suggestions to be a better lover.
Once again, communicating with your partner is one of the best approaches to become a better lover. Likewise, if a relationship is becoming boring, there are books suggesting ways to spice up one’s sex life,
or talk with your partner about new ways of being.
If you are having trouble finding dates, remember that friends can be effective in set-ups, if they know your tastes. On-line dating can also work (but be careful there are creeps amongst us) or joining a club or group that does ac- tivities you enjoy.
At least you can have fun doing the activities.
And don’t forget the option of approaching a per- son you find attractive in a public place.
Having something to say in advance (not a trite line), could allow you to make the approach.
A book titled “Guerilla Dating” makes useful suggestions on approaching a stranger. Be hopeful but 100% success is not likely to happen.
Driving a vehicle is the most dangerous thing that most of us do. But people are seldom fearful of driving (some should be). If we are careful, follow rules, keep our vehicles in good shape and pay attention to our driving, then accidents are uncommon.
Intimate relationships are similar. If we are careful and pay attention to what we are doing and how our behavior can impact self or others, then we tend not to get into wrecked relation- ships or lives. And, while I’m at it, remember to wear sun screen.
