After some time couples begin to consider other activities besides kissing. "Heavy petting" (handjobs, fingering) is often a consideration. But how long should you wait? What are the risks?

With heavy petting, STD transmission is possible, as with any exchange of body fluids. Pregnancy is not a risk, unless somehow semen makes contact with the vagina. But, beyond biology, examine this emotionally. Intimate touching can be every bit as involved as intercourse itself.

We wear clothes for a reason. We don't bare our private parts because they're supposed to be private. This is not because they are "bad"; we conceal them out of modesty, and part of modesty is saving special things for special people. Sexuality is very special indeed. This contradicts "If you've got it, flaunt it"-- but ask yourself: what does flaunting prove? Regardless of your appearance you will attract people; however, are the guys you attract by looking slutty the guys (or girls) you want? Why not hold yourself high and win someeone who's worthwhile?

If he or she gives a rose to everyone, it's nothing special, but if he or she only gives a rose to you...

Relationships are like gardening: if you cut the flower and put it in a vase (take all you can sexually)-- the flower will be nice and pretty for awhile, but soon it will be brown, ugly, and dead. It won't be long before you have to replace the flower, change the water, and clean up the flakes from the last dead bloom. How many flowers will you go through before you find one to keep? Is that something to be proud of?

However, if you momentarily forget your own wants and attend to the flower as a whole, giving it water and shielding it from the elements-- why, the entire plant will grow larger and more beautiful, blossoming more than ever before.

We are sexual beings, but just because we feel sexually doesn't mean we have to act on those feelings. You can be sexual without sexual activity. Under the right circumstances, "innocent" kissing can be as gratifying as intercourse itself. More depends on how you view sexual activity in your mind rather than what you're actually doing. Sexual expression doesn't have to be intercourse, oral sex, or petting; it can be "merely" kissing, masturbation, or a sexy dress.

Many teens think sexual gratification comes only through increased sexual activity, and this is unfortunate. You can't appreciate the little things in life (kisses) if you're always concentrating on the big things (sex), but there are far more "little" things than big, and it's a shame to find yourself unable to enjoy them.

It's very easy to jump into sexual activity in a short period of time. It's very hard to abstain over a long period of time. But look at the benefits: short-term sexual relationships usually end as quickly as they begin, but with tremendous emotional fallout. On the other hand, long-term, committed relationships with mutual respect and love are extremely positive, life-changing experiences.