What is confidence?
Having confidence basically means being comfortable with who you are and feeling secure in your abilities to plan and do things. Confident people feel they are able to tackle things or start new things and finish them, even though there may be challenges and learning along the way.
Being confident in sexual relationships
If you've got all the right information and know what to expect, you'll feel more confident about making the right choice!
Being confident in sexual relationships is not about always knowing what to do or how to act. It is about feeling comfortable in a situation and looking after your own health and wellbeing, as well as your partner’s. It’s also about talking things through with your partner and not doing anything you don’t want to do. We all have a lot to learn, especially if we are getting to know someone – so don’t be afraid to talk about things.
Feeling insecure?
Just about everybody lacks confidence at some point, especially when faced with something new or daunting, like a new relationship. It’s important to be able to feel confident about the decisions you make about your relationships, sexual or otherwise. This might sound easier said than done – just take one step at a time! Check out the tips below.
How can I make confident choices?
To help yourself feel more confident when faced with an unfamiliar situation or difficult choice, there are several things you can do:
- Find out your options: In order to make a choice, first you need to know what all the options are. Remember there is always a choice
- Value your own judgements and opinions: Sometimes, if everyone seems to be doing one thing, and you want to do another, you might need to remind yourself that it’s ok to be different. Remember we all have the right to be happy and safe – so this means not doing anything that will harm someone else
- Talk to someone: If you’re in a relationship, ideally this would be your partner, but if that doesn’t seem possible, seek help elsewhere. Talk to someone you trust, or check out services for young people that can provide advice and support. If you’ve got all the right information and know what to expect, you’ll feel more confident about making the right choice!
- Think things through: Knowing all of the possible outcomes can make it much easier to feel confident about the choices you make. So find out for yourself. Whatever choice you’re thinking of making, think it through ahead of time, and find out how you feel about what might come after you’ve made your decision.
How can I get the info I need?
If you’re struggling with your confidence, feeling unsure about what to do in a relationship, or just need to find out about what might happen next, try looking online for the advice or information you’re after. Or visit a drop-in.
What does respect mean?
Different relationships?
Stressed out?