In order to be sexually empowered, it is important to understand the potential consequences of sex and how to protect yourself from them. The more knowledgeable you are about sex, the better equipped you will be to make the right decisions for yourself.  There are a wide variety of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that you may be exposed to when you choose to have sex with someone. Using a condom can help  protect you from transmitting an STI.  Pregnancy is also a potential consequence of heterosexual sex. There are a variety of ways to  prevent pregnancy, so choose the method that works best for you. Barrier methods such as condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps provide protection during each sexual encounter, while hormonal birth control methods such as pills, shots, patches, and implants prevent pregnancy for longer periods of time. By law, you have the right to consent to each and every sexual experience you have. If anyone ever violates this right and forces you to have sex without your consent, this is considered rape.  Don't feel like you have to do anything you don't feel comfortable doing, no matter how badly your partner wants it. Being sexually empowered means you make the decisions that suit you best. The law protects you from more than just unwanted sex. If anyone ever touches you in any way that you are uncomfortable with, you have the right to say no and to report the incident to the police if the person does not listen. You should also report any incidents of verbal harassment. If you are raped or sexually assaulted, understand that it is never your fault. No matter what you were wearing or how you were acting, you were not asking to be assaulted. Gender role stereotypes are beliefs that a community holds on the way individuals of a specific gender should look or act. These beliefs are often untrue and can be very damaging to individuals who do not conform to the stereotypes. Most people are introduced to these beliefs at a very young age, so it's important to step back and challenge everything you think you know about gender roles.  These stereotypes often reinforce the beliefs that people should only be attracted to member of the opposite sex, or that men should hold the power in a heterosexual relationship. It is important to recognize the double-standards that exist in gender stereotypes and to form your own opinions about them. For example, men who have multiple sexual partners are often encouraged by their peers, while women who have multiple sexual partners are often chastised for being promiscuous. Individuals who do not fit within the confines of traditional gender stereotypes often feel ostracized and misunderstood. If this is the case for you, seek out support from like-minded friends and loved ones, or from a support group. There are a variety of support groups and hotlines for members of the LGBTQ community, for example. You don't necessarily need to be sexually active in order to be sexually empowered. While everyone finds empowerment in different ways, the most important thing is that you decide what you will do with your own body. If you choose not to have sex, that is your choice and you should not let anyone persuade you to do anything you don't want to do.

Summary: Learn about safe sex. Understand your rights. Recognize gender role stereotypes. Understand the power of choice.


If it's too hard for you to continue to be her friend, you're allowed to tell her the truth. In some ways, it might be selfish – keep this in mind. You're going to cause her some serious heartache because you were unable to wrap your mind around the fact that she is unavailable. You may not end up being friends at all if you tell her you have romantic feelings for her. Always express your feelings in a healthy way. You want to talk through the situation without being rude or harsh with her.  She may be surprised when you reveal that you are into her, so you don't want to make her feel self-conscious.  Any accusation, even accidental, will hurt you. Never make it seem like she was leading you on. Say something along the lines of “I hope you don't feel like I'm betraying our friendship, but the more time I spend with you the more I like you. I know you like someone else, and I don't want to get in the way of that. But just know that if there ever comes a time when you feel the same way about me, I'll still be just as into you. Share feelings effectively by starting with the phrase, "I feel." If you start by saying, "you make me feel..." and then express your emotional state, she will feel like she's being accused. State your feelings from your own perspective. This will ensure that you're speaking about your subjective experience. Don't allow her to feel victimized. Remember that she's already seeing someone else, or that she likes someone else. Even if you feel that you are a better fit for her, you've put her in a difficult position. Remember that, like you, she has complex thoughts, plans, dreams, and hopes.  Her relationship gives her comfort and safety, and you've just challenged this with your feelings. Search for verbal cues when you tell her how you feel. If she attempts to change the subject, she may be uncomfortable about the circumstances. If she doesn't want to talk about it, just keep it short and simple and then leave her alone. If you've solidified your friendship, then you should have an understanding of her boundaries. Don't cross them while you're telling her this information. Even though you've probably shared physical intimacy before, this situation is a bit different. Being completely emotionally honest with anyone isn't easy. Before being emotionally honest, you must be fully emotionally aware. Share your true self by shedding all emotional walls.  If you speak openly, you'll feel better about yourself regardless of her decision.  You have the freedom to decide when it's best to share your real feelings. Complicated situations like this one require radical honesty. If you aren't willing to say everything, then she may not fully understand your situation. Society tells us to repress our true feelings, especially if they could be considered "inappropriate." Telling a taken girl that you like her isn't the most acceptable action. Having said that, your feelings are real. You are entitled to tell her the truth. In the end, she may not choose to pursue you. Even if you've supported her, she may value stability more. It's tough because you've probably built up a dream about your relationship.  While she does have some perfect qualities, remember that she's also imperfect. You knew that you were entering dangerous territory by falling for a taken girl. Respect your friendship by respecting her decision. Because you two have cared for each other in the past, this decision will be harder. You may have to get some healthy space.

Summary: Be aware that you might ruin your friendship. Tread carefully. Respect her situation. Recognize her boundaries. Open up completely. Honor her decision. Don't let bitterness or sorrow overtake you.


To create felt roses, you will need to cut large circles out of your felt. Choose any color you would like, and consider choosing additional shades of green felt to create matching leaves.
Summary: Select your felt.