Hey! I found some weird stuff on the internet! What's a... you know? leans in, whispering
Max, come sit next to me in the park bench
Can you tell me what those weird words mean that I found on the internet?
Like, um, sex and stuff... Is that bad? Am I not supposed to look at that?
No, it’s fine if you’re curious, just make sure to be safe and responsible when looking it up
But what does it mean? Is it, like, when people are close and touchy-touchy? Or is it, like, when they take off their clothes?
It can mean different things, like showing affection, being intimate, or being sexually attracted to someone
So it's like... an extra special way to show you love someone? Does everyone do it? Is it only adults? Do animals do it too?
It can be an extra special way to show you love someone, yes. Some animals do it too! Like dogs showing affection towards their owners. Not all adults do it, by the way.
Can you do it with anyone? Like, can I do it with my parents or my friends?
No, it’s usually only done with people you’re in love or attracted to
So I shouldn't do it with my friends then? But what if I really like them?
Then that would be considered going beyond friendship, it’s called romantic feelings
Is it, like, a big no-no to have those feelings for your friends? Are people who do that weirdos?
It’s not super common but it’s not weird either, some people might view it as moving too fast or being inappropriate though
So it's kinda like having a crush, but for grown-ups? Is it fun?
Yes, having a crush is exactly what I’m saying! It is fun indeed
How do grown-ups handle it? Like, how do they know if they really like someone or just being silly?
They talk to each other, they get to know each other better, and see if those feelings are mutual
So, like, they have deep conversations and share their feelings? Can they also, like, hold hands or something?
Yes, sharing feelings and emotions is one part, physical affection like holding hands, kissing etc is another part. It’s both emotional and physical
Oh! So if someone holds your hand, it means they like you? Is it only hand-holding? Can people kiss each other too?
Yes, holding hands, kissing, hugging… lots of different ways to show affection
Can you show affection to more than one person? Like, can someone have two boyfriends or something?
In some cases, yes. There are different types of relationships
Different types? Like, different types of affection?
Friends, romantic partners, family members. Kinds of affection: platonic, romantic, familial. It’s complicated
So platonic affection is like holding hands with a friend? Romantic affection is like holding hands with someone you're in love with?
Yes. Platonic = friendship. Romantic = partner or someone you’re in love with. And there’s others like familial too
Can you be platonic and romantic with the same person at the same time? Like, can I be best friends and also have a crush on them?
That would be considered moving too fast and being inappropriate. The boundaries are there to keep us safe and make sure we don’t unintentionally hurt each other
I understand! So, like, it's important to respect people's boundaries and not do anything that makes them uncomfortable, right?
So, can you give me some advice on how to navigate all of this? Like, how do I figure out if I'm crossing boundaries or not?
Don’t act on impulses. Be thoughtful, considerate, and communicate before doing anything. See how they react, adjust your actions according to their responses. Be empathetic
Ok, I'll try to be thoughtful and considerate! And I'll make sure to communicate before doing anything. Thanks for giving me advice!
You’re welcome Max, remember, it’s learning process. Don’t worry if it feels overwhelming at first, it gets better with time
Thank you, Geniusal! I really appreciate you taking the time to help me understand these things. I feel more confident now!
Anytime, Max! Just remember, there’s nothing wrong about asking questions or being confused. It’s completely normal. Have fun figuring things out 😊
Yeah, I'm glad I asked. Thanks again, Geniusal! I feel like I have a better understanding now. I'll go talk to my friends about this too!