Everything in the world has become increasingly sexualized, and as a young adult, it can feel like everyone around you is having sex. Whether it’s your friends, classmates or even your family members, people are constantly trying to pressure you into doing things that make you uncomfortable. It may not seem like much at first, but if you’re starting to feel anxious about being pressured into something, don’t ignore it.
Why People Are Pressured To Have Sex
It’s not just pressure from individuals to have sex, it’s the way culture has shifted that makes people believe they need to be having sex. In fact, some people are so used to it that they think it’s normal. Let’s go over some of the ways culture puts pressure on young adults to have sex when they aren’t truly comfortable with it.
Media:
The media is full of sexual imagery. This includes magazines, TV shows and movies. It doesn’t matter how old you are, these images can affect you.
Just because you’re 18 doesn’t mean you have to start having sex. If you’re not ready, you should say no. If you are not comfortable with something, you need to say no. With common themes in movies like Fifty Shades of Grey does not mean you have to follow those same actions. You’ll see sexual themes in TV shows, too, and while browsing social media. The fact is, sex sells, but you shouldn’t hold yourself to what you think others are doing. The same goes for the Internet. There are plenty of websites that promote sex, but don’t take this as a standard you need to live by.
Hookup Culture:
Young people are bombarded with messages telling them they should be having sex. It’s not just the ads for products promising to make you lose your virginity or have random hookups, it’s the way friends talk about it. It seems normal in today’s world to regularly hook up with people, and you should expect this from everyone. But you don’t have to be a part of it. It’s actually less common than you might think, and it’s important to have some control over who you date. Although dating apps like Tinder and Bumble seem to be focused around hookups, and there are even meet and fuck sites, and it seems like you hear about people having wild, random sex all the time, not everyone is actually doing it and not everyone needs to.
Friends:
In some social circles, you can expect to hear about people having sex with each other, or with other people. While it may seem like fun, you don’t have to join in. You don’t have to participate in a group sex event, or tell someone about a secret fantasy you had. It’s important to have some control over your relationships and who you share your personal space with. If you don’t want to, it’s okay to say no.
How To Set Boundaries
It’s important for every person to have their boundaries respected — whether they’ve just met someone or been dating them for years. If you are feeling pressured to do anything sexually with anyone, you need to speak up before it gets worse. Your words will not only be heard, but also taken seriously.
If you find yourself in this situation, try speaking up by saying something along the lines of “I’m flattered that you’d like me to go further, but I would like to respect my own boundaries.” This way, you aren’t just brushing the problem under the rug; you’re taking a stand against it. Just remember that you shouldn’t feel obligated to give in if you don’t want to, no matter what anyone says.
What To Do If You Feel Pressured
Even though you may feel like you have to change your mind or do something you don’t really want to do, you have to realize you are not alone. There is help out there for you. You can talk to your parents, guardians, teachers or even a counselor. They can help you work through your issues and find solutions.
There are many resources available to help you if you need it — and you deserve to get the support you need. Remember that you are not alone, and you have the right to say no.
