Friends, Lovers and Mates

Whether we talk about sex with our parents, gossip about sex with our friends or have sex with our lovers - sex can be an integral part of all our relationships.

Learning to talk about sex is the first step to having a safe and healthy sexual relationship.

Sex!Life! gives you the right information so you can talk the talk.

Being friends, lovers and mates goes beyond sex. It's about who we are and how we relate to others in all ways: sexually, emotionally, in times of need and when we just want to have fun.

But to get on well with others we need to be OK with ourselves. That means being cool with what we look like, how we feel and who we are attracted to.

Not everyone is attracted to the "other sex"; not everyone needs to lose their virginity in their teens; no-one need put up with violence or bullying; no-one should feel pressured to have sex.

Whether it's about your body, your sense of beauty or getting into bed with someone - this is where you will find advice and perspective on friendship, love and mateship.

Worldwide, almost one-third of sexually active young people were disappointed by their first sexual experience while 17% found it much better than expected.