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So the big night has arrived ... PROM NIGHT! You're looking like an A-list celebrity in your dress and you have the perfect date. Or maybe, you're looking sharp in your new, chic tuxedo on your way to pick up that special girl.
While everything seems to be unfolding perfectly, common post-prom expectations might be lurking in the back of your mind, including whether or not the possibility of "going all the way" with that special someone is something you actually want to do.
While most teens say they feel pressure to have sex, not everyone is doing it. In fact, according to a recent report by the Guttmacher Institute, about half (46 percent) of high schoolers haven't had sex; and just over half (60 percent) of all teenagers who have, say they wish they had waited longer.
But, let's face it; saying "no" is sometimes easier said than done. There are many good reasons to say "no" to sex - and protecting your feelings is just one of them. Here are some tips to help you keep a clear head, and heart, on prom night:
Think ahead. You can ease your nerves by having a game plan and remembering that you can always say "no" - even if you've said "yes" before.
Rely on your friends. Use your friends as an excuse. If you have a strong support system of family and friends, you will be less vulnerable to situations that you want to avoid in the first place.
Stay in groups. One-on-one dates are not as popular as they once were. By gathering in groups, you are less likely to be pressured into something you don't want to do. Friends can be your best bodyguards!
Stand your ground. Being true to yourself means being assertive when the time comes. Too many people draw their own final boundary about sex, but they allow things to progress right up to that point. Saying "no" from the get-go won't always be as easy, but saying the right things at the right time will get your point across.
Keep you cell phone handy If you feel like you're in over your head, or find yourself in a dangerous situation, ask your parents or older sibling to be "on call" so if you need to dial them up - for any reason - they'll be ready to pick you up at a moment's notice.
While everything seems to be unfolding perfectly, common post-prom expectations might be lurking in the back of your mind, including whether or not the possibility of "going all the way" with that special someone is something you actually want to do.
While most teens say they feel pressure to have sex, not everyone is doing it. In fact, according to a recent report by the Guttmacher Institute, about half (46 percent) of high schoolers haven't had sex; and just over half (60 percent) of all teenagers who have, say they wish they had waited longer.
But, let's face it; saying "no" is sometimes easier said than done. There are many good reasons to say "no" to sex - and protecting your feelings is just one of them. Here are some tips to help you keep a clear head, and heart, on prom night:
Think ahead. You can ease your nerves by having a game plan and remembering that you can always say "no" - even if you've said "yes" before.
Rely on your friends. Use your friends as an excuse. If you have a strong support system of family and friends, you will be less vulnerable to situations that you want to avoid in the first place.
Stay in groups. One-on-one dates are not as popular as they once were. By gathering in groups, you are less likely to be pressured into something you don't want to do. Friends can be your best bodyguards!
Stand your ground. Being true to yourself means being assertive when the time comes. Too many people draw their own final boundary about sex, but they allow things to progress right up to that point. Saying "no" from the get-go won't always be as easy, but saying the right things at the right time will get your point across.
Keep you cell phone handy If you feel like you're in over your head, or find yourself in a dangerous situation, ask your parents or older sibling to be "on call" so if you need to dial them up - for any reason - they'll be ready to pick you up at a moment's notice.
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