R U ready – quick guide

Whether you are gay, straight or bi-sexual you are probably not ready for sex if:

• You are doing it because you think everyone else is or because you are scared of getting dumped if you don’t
• Someone is trying to persuade or pressure you to have sex
• You have not talked about condoms and contraception
• You don’t trust the person you might have sex with
• You don’t feel in control of your decisions – you feel you can’t say no even if you wanted to
• You think you might regret it afterwards

Remember – even if you are ready – it still doesn’t mean you have to and even if you’ve already had sex – it doesn’t mean you have to again you can take some time out!

Many young people feel pressure to have sex and saying ‘No’ isn’t always easy.  However you have the right to say ‘No’ and it can be a positive choice.  Here are a few ways to say no:

• I like you but I want to wait
• I’m not ready
• I don’t want to have sex now
• I won’t be persuaded
• I feel under too much pressure
• I’d be doing it for all the wrong reasons

Remember – No rush, no worry, no regret!

With thanks to Jo Adams and Durham County Council, Positive Activities for Young People Team for allowing us to use their R U Ready quick guide.