Puberty+sexual+education+for+boys+and+girls+1991 !!install!! May 2026

Title: Coming of Age in 1991: Puberty and Sexuality Education for a New Decade

Introduction: The Eve of the Information Age

In 1991, the world stood on the cusp of a digital revolution. The Berlin Wall had fallen, MTV was in its prime, and the first website was still a year away. For adolescents, the onset of puberty was navigated with a distinct blend of classroom diagrams, library books with clinical drawings, whispered rumors in school hallways, and the occasional, often awkward, "talk" with a parent. Sex education in 1991 was a landscape of stark contrasts: between abstinence-only messages and the grim realities of the AIDS epidemic, between biological mechanics and a near-total silence on emotional intimacy, and between the experiences of boys and girls, which were often treated as separate, parallel universes.

Part I: The Biological Blueprint – What a 1991 Teenager Learned (and Didn't)

Textbooks and filmstrips (the reliable 16mm projector) were the cornerstones of school-based sex ed. For a 12-year-old in 1991, the lesson typically began with a gender-segregated assembly.

For Girls: The focus was heavily on menstruation. A school nurse or a representative from a company like Kimberly-Clark or Tampax would distribute a small, discreet "kit" containing a booklet ("The Miracle of You" or "Growing Up and Liking It"), a sample pad with a sticky belt (though self-adhesive pads had existed since the 1970s, the belt was still a reference point), and a deodorant wipe. The film, often entitled The Story of Menstruation (originally made by Disney in 1946 but still in use), emphasized hygiene, regularity, and that it was "not an illness." Terms like "ovary," "fallopian tube," "uterus," and "endometrium" were drawn on the blackboard. Secondary breast development and pubic hair were mentioned clinically. The message was clear: this is a biological process to be managed with cleanliness and discretion. The emotional rollercoaster of PMS was rarely, if ever, discussed.

For Boys: The boy’s workshop was clinically different. The focus was on the singular, dramatic event of the first ejaculation, or "spermarche." Vocabulary included "testes," "scrotum," "vas deferens," "prostate," and "semen." Nocturnal emissions ("wet dreams") were explained as a natural, involuntary release. The filmstrip, perhaps The Boy to Man (1950s-60s aesthetic), showed silhouetted figures and labelled diagrams. Erections were mentioned as a reflex, but the social horror of a public, unwanted one was left unaddressed. Circumcision was presented as a given fact for most of the class, not a choice. A brief, often embarrassed, mention of testicular self-examination might be offered, but with none of the emphasis that breast self-examination received for girls.

The Missing Piece: Across both genders, the 1991 classroom almost never discussed sexual desire, pleasure, or the psychological dimensions of attraction. Puberty was framed as a plumbing problem to be understood, not a psychosexual transformation to be navigated.

Part II: The Classroom Divide – Sex Education as Risk Management

In 1991, sex education in public schools was deeply fractured, a patchwork of state mandates and local control. The ideological battle lines were drawn between Comprehensive Sex Education (advocated by groups like SIECUS – the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States) and Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage education (fueled by federal funding from the 1981 Adolescent Family Life Act).

The Comprehensive Model (e.g., New York, California, New Jersey): A 9th-grade "Health" class in 1991 might include:

Contraception: A rubbery model of a penis used to demonstrate condom application (often over a banana or a plastic model). Diagrams of the Pill, the diaphragm, and the sponge (the Today Sponge was a popular 90s product). The failure rates of withdrawal and the rhythm method were stated.
STD Prevention: A terrifying, slide-show-driven tour of untreated syphilis chancres and genital warts. The word "HIV" was now front and center. The message was "latex condoms can reduce risk, but only abstinence is 100% effective."
Pregnancy & Childbirth: Films like The Miracle of Birth (actual childbirth footage) were shown to some, but often with a permission slip. Abortion was mentioned as a legal medical procedure, but rarely discussed with any depth, often reduced to a line in a textbook: "Some women choose to end a pregnancy."

The Abstinence-Only Model (e.g., many districts in the South, Midwest, and rural West): A student in these schools in 1991 would encounter:

No contraception information except its failure rates. Demonstrations of condoms were forbidden.
"Values" curricula: Programs like Sex Respect or Teen Aid used worksheets with slogans like "Waiting is not a deprivation, it's a liberation." Students signed "virginity pledges" on index cards.
Fear-based Visuals: A popular poster showed a wilted flower next to a fresh one, captioned: "Which one would you give to your future spouse?" Another showed a partially unrolled condom with the text: "I can't protect you from AIDS. Only abstinence can."
Omission: LGBTQ+ topics were completely absent. Homosexuality was often listed, if at all, as a "deviant behavior" or a "psychological disorder" (the DSM-III-R was still in use, though homosexuality was removed in 1987, residual stigma remained).

Part III: The Cultural Backdrop – What Media and Parents Taught

If school provided the sterile facts, popular culture was the chaotic, unregulated sex educator of 1991.

Music: Madonna’s Justify My Love video with its soft-core S&M imagery was banned from MTV, but teenagers watched it on Nightline. Her documentary Truth or Dare showed her simulating oral sex on a water bottle. Heavy metal lyrics referenced groupies and hedonism.
Movies: My Girl (1991) showed a pre-teen experiencing first love, periods, and death with raw honesty. Thelma & Louise featured a graphic rape scene and a sexual encounter. Teen slashers like Child’s Play 3 used sex as a prelude to death.
TV: Shows like Beverly Hills, 90210 had "very special episodes" about condoms, HIV, and the consequences of a one-night stand. Degrassi High (aired on PBS in the U.S.) was revolutionary: it showed a young woman (Spike) choosing to keep her baby, another having a clandestine abortion, and a character (Dwayne) testing positive for HIV.
The Home Front: Most parents in 1991 still found the topic excruciating. The typical "talk" was a single, gender-segregated, fact-based conversation. A father might awkwardly hand a son a pamphlet from the doctor’s office. A mother might leave Judy Blume’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret on her daughter’s bed. Open, ongoing dialogue was rare. The silent assumption was that "they’ll learn it in school."

Part IV: The Gender Chasm – Separate, Unequal, and Silent

Sex education in 1991 reinforced discrete male and female narratives.

For Boys: The emphasis was on control – controlling erections, controlling urges, controlling the risk of pregnancy and disease (by using a condom). The subtext was that male sexuality was a powerful, potentially dangerous drive. Masturbation was mentioned in passing as "normal," but never as a healthy part of self-knowledge. The idea that a boy might feel confused, sad, or pressured during his first sexual experience was never raised.
For Girls: The emphasis was on protection – protecting your "reputation," protecting yourself from pregnancy, protecting yourself from disease. The double standard was alive and well. The "slut" label was a constant threat. Girls were taught to say "no," but not how to articulate what they might actually want. The concept of female pleasure was utterly absent from formal sex ed. Clitoral anatomy was often deliberately omitted from diagrams. Lesbian sexuality did not exist in the curriculum.

The result was a generation of young men who felt their sexuality was a secret, shameful burden to be managed, and young women who were taught to see their bodies as a source of danger and risk, not of agency or joy.

Conclusion: A Baseline, Not a Finish Line

Looking back from a future of online pornography, LGBTQ+ inclusive curricula, and consent workshops, the sex education of 1991 seems woefully inadequate, even dangerous. The HIV/AIDS crisis forced a grudging, clinical conversation about condoms, but avoided the human heart. The biology was often correct, but the psychology was ignored. Boys and girls were taught the mechanics of reproduction in separate rooms and then sent back into a co-ed hallway of raging hormones with no shared language.

Yet, 1991 was also a hinge year. Degrassi High was on the air. SIECUS was publishing its comprehensive "Guidelines for Comprehensive Sexuality Education." The whispers of the internet that would shatter the old silences were just beginning. The 1991 teenager was perhaps the last generation to experience puberty without pixels. Their education was a mix of fear, biology, rumor, and pop culture—a messy, imperfect first draft for the conversations we are still, decades later, trying to get right.

Leo and Maya met in the way people do when the universe is tired of waiting: over a shared bag of salt-and-vinegar chips in a hospital vending machine room at 2:00 AM.

Maya was a residency student running on caffeine and spite; Leo was a freelance architect waiting for his sister to clear out of post-op. He didn’t offer a pick-up line. He just offered the last chip.

"You look like you need the sodium more than I do," he said. The Slow Burn

Their relationship didn't start with a spark; it started with a steady hum. For the first six months, it was a series of "digital check-ins." They navigated the early-stage hurdles: the awkwardness of scheduling around Maya’s 80-hour work weeks and Leo’s tendency to disappear into his blueprints.

The romance wasn't found in grand gestures, but in the logistics of care. Leo would leave Tupperware containers of homemade pasta on her doorstep with sticky notes that read: Eat this before you pass out. Maya would send him photos of interesting building cornices she saw from the bus. The Conflict

The "honeymoon phase" hit a wall when Leo was offered a dream contract in Tokyo. Suddenly, the storyline shifted from companionable bliss to the geographic strain.

"I don't want to be the reason you stay," Maya told him one rainy Tuesday, the air thick with the smell of damp wool and unspoken fear. "But I can't be the reason you leave, either." puberty+sexual+education+for+boys+and+girls+1991

They spent a week in the quiet tension of uncertainty. They weren't fighting; they were mourning a future that hadn't happened yet. It was the classic romantic crossroads: do you prioritize the individual ambition or the collective "us"? The Resolution

In the end, they didn't choose one over the other. They chose a hybrid path. Leo took the contract, but they committed to the "long-distance sprint."

The story didn't end with a wedding or a dramatic airport chase. It ended with a split-screen FaceTime call. Maya was eating breakfast in Chicago; Leo was eating dinner in Tokyo. They both had salt-and-vinegar chips.

"The time zone difference is a nightmare," Leo laughed, his face pixelated but warm.

"Yeah," Maya smiled, leaning against her kitchen counter. "But the view is worth the lag."

In the world of romantic storylines, it wasn't a fairy tale—it was a partnership. And for them, that was plenty.

The Art of the Heart: Why We’re Hooked on Romantic Storylines

Whether it’s the "enemies-to-lovers" tension of a modern office romance or the slow-burn realization of "friends-to-lovers," romantic storylines tap into a universal desire for connection and transformation. A compelling romance isn't just about a "happily ever after"; it's a journey of individual growth where two characters become better versions of themselves through their relationship. Why Certain Storylines Never Get Old

The most popular romantic tropes work because they provide a clear emotional core and reliable "butterflies". Enemies-to-Lovers

: This trope plays on the thin line between love and hate. Watching characters let go of deep-seated grudges to find something real provides intense emotional payoff. Fake Dating

: A couple pretends to be in love for external gain—like avoiding family questions at a wedding—only to realize the feelings have become real. Forced Proximity

: Whether they are stuck in an elevator or sharing the "only one bed" in a snowed-in cabin, physical closeness accelerates the emotional connection. Second Chance Romance

: This explores forgiveness and growth, showing that sometimes love just needs a little more time to find the right timing. The Secret Sauce: Writing Believable Romance

To move beyond clichés, a romantic storyline must feel earned and authentic.

Puberty and Sexual Education: A Brief Overview

Puberty is a significant stage in human development, marking the transition from childhood to adulthood. During this period, boys and girls undergo physical, emotional, and psychological changes that prepare them for reproductive maturity.

Sexual education, an essential aspect of puberty education, aims to provide young people with accurate and age-appropriate information about their bodies, relationships, and sexuality. The goal is to empower them to make informed decisions, develop healthy attitudes, and navigate their emerging sexuality in a positive and responsible manner.

Key Aspects of Puberty and Sexual Education

Physical Changes: Puberty brings significant physical changes, including growth spurts, body hair development, and changes in reproductive organs. Boys and girls should understand these changes and how they differ between sexes.
Emotional and Psychological Changes: Puberty is also marked by emotional and psychological shifts, such as mood swings, self-identity exploration, and relationships with peers. Young people should learn to manage their emotions, develop self-awareness, and build healthy relationships.
Sexual Health and Hygiene: Puberty education should cover essential topics like genital hygiene, menstruation, and the risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy.
Relationships and Communication: Young people should learn about different types of relationships, communication skills, and how to navigate consent, boundaries, and healthy relationships.
Values and Attitudes: Puberty education should also address values and attitudes towards sexuality, including respect, empathy, and responsibility.

Challenges and Controversies

In 1991, puberty and sexual education might have been considered taboo or sensitive topics, leading to challenges in implementing comprehensive programs. Some of the controversies surrounding puberty education include:

Content and Age-Appropriateness: Deciding what information is suitable for young people at different ages and developmental stages.
Cultural and Social Norms: Addressing diverse cultural and social norms around sexuality, relationships, and body image.
Parental Involvement: Engaging parents and caregivers in puberty education, ensuring they are comfortable discussing these topics with their children.

Deep Paper Insights

While I couldn't locate a specific paper from 1991, research on puberty and sexual education has evolved significantly since then. Studies have consistently shown that comprehensive puberty education:

Improves knowledge and attitudes: Enhances young people's understanding of their bodies, relationships, and sexuality.
Reduces risky behaviors: Lowers the risks of STIs, unintended pregnancy, and other negative outcomes.
Fosters healthy relationships: Encourages positive relationships, communication, and decision-making skills.

For a more in-depth exploration, I recommend searching academic databases like PubMed, ERIC, or Google Scholar for peer-reviewed articles and research papers on puberty and sexual education. You can also explore organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, or the World Health Organization, which provide resources and guidelines on puberty education.

The Heart of the Narrative: Why Relationships and Romantic Storylines Define Great Storytelling

Whether it’s a classic novel, a summer blockbuster, or a binge-worthy TV series, relationships and romantic storylines are the emotional engines that drive our favorite narratives. While a plot provides the "what," romance provides the "why." It raises the stakes, making us care deeply about whether a hero succeeds or a world is saved because of the person waiting for them on the other side. The Universal Appeal of Romance

At our core, humans are social creatures wired for connection. We look for reflections of our own desires, heartbreaks, and triumphs in the media we consume. Romantic storylines work because they explore the most intense spectrum of human emotion—from the dizzying heights of new love to the devastating lows of betrayal. Key Tropes That Keep Us Hooked Title: Coming of Age in 1991: Puberty and

Storytellers often use specific archetypes to build tension and payoff. Understanding these "tropes" helps us see why certain stories feel so satisfying:

Enemies to Lovers: This trope thrives on friction. The journey from genuine dislike to begrudging respect, and finally to deep passion, provides a masterclass in character development.

The Slow Burn: Patience is the name of the game here. By stretching out the "will they/won't they" dynamic, writers build an almost unbearable level of anticipation for the audience.

Friends to Lovers: This focuses on the comfort of shared history and the terrifying risk of ruining a stable friendship for the sake of something more.

The Love Triangle: While sometimes polarizing, this structure forces characters to make difficult choices about their values and their future. Building Authentic Chemistry

A successful romantic storyline isn't just about two people liking each other; it’s about chemistry and conflict. Authentic relationships in fiction require:

Vulnerability: Characters must let their guards down, showing flaws that only their partner can see.

Shared Stakes: The romance should be woven into the main plot, not just a side-show.

Communication (or the lack thereof): Misunderstandings drive drama, but honest conversations provide the emotional "meat" of the story. Why It Matters Beyond the Screen

We use romantic storylines as a safe space to rehearse our own emotions. They teach us about boundaries, the importance of support, and how to navigate the complexities of intimacy. Even in a high-stakes fantasy setting, a well-written romance grounds the story in reality, reminding us that no matter how many dragons are fought, the human heart remains the ultimate frontier.

In the end, relationships and romantic storylines aren't just "fluff"—they are the threads that weave individual characters into a cohesive, moving, and memorable experience.

Are you looking to analyze a specific couple from a book or show, or are you writing your own romantic plot?

Title: Puberty, Sexual Education, and Boys and Girls: A Review of the Status in 1991

Introduction

Puberty is a significant phase in human development, marked by physical, emotional, and psychological changes. As boys and girls navigate this transition, they require accurate and comprehensive information about their bodies, relationships, and sexuality. Sexual education is essential to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to make informed decisions about their health, well-being, and future. This paper reviews the status of puberty and sexual education for boys and girls in 1991, highlighting the key issues, challenges, and developments of that time.

The Status of Puberty and Sexual Education in 1991

In 1991, puberty and sexual education were not as widely discussed or emphasized as they are today. The topic of sex education was often considered taboo, and many schools and parents hesitated to address it. However, there was a growing recognition of the importance of providing young people with accurate and comprehensive information about their bodies, relationships, and sexuality.

Key Issues and Challenges

Several key issues and challenges characterized puberty and sexual education in 1991:

Limited access to comprehensive sex education: Many schools and educational institutions did not provide comprehensive sex education, and what was offered was often inadequate or inaccurate.
Stigma and taboo surrounding sex education: Sex education was often considered a sensitive or taboo topic, leading to discomfort and reluctance among educators, parents, and students.
Lack of resources and trained educators: There was a shortage of trained educators and resources to provide effective sex education, particularly in rural or disadvantaged areas.
Risk of teenage pregnancy and STIs: The risk of teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) was a significant concern, with many young people lacking access to accurate information and preventive measures.

Developments and Initiatives in 1991

Despite the challenges, there were several developments and initiatives in 1991 that aimed to improve puberty and sexual education:

Introduction of new curricula and guidelines: Many countries and educational institutions began to develop and implement new curricula and guidelines for sex education, emphasizing comprehensive and inclusive approaches.
Increased focus on HIV/AIDS education: The HIV/AIDS epidemic was a major public health concern in 1991, and there was an increased focus on providing education and prevention efforts, particularly in schools.
Growing involvement of parents and communities: There was a growing recognition of the importance of parental involvement and community engagement in sex education, with many schools and organizations seeking to involve parents and communities in the development and implementation of sex education programs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, puberty and sexual education for boys and girls in 1991 were marked by significant challenges and limitations. However, there were also important developments and initiatives aimed at improving the availability and quality of sex education. As we move forward, it is essential to build on these efforts, ensuring that all young people have access to comprehensive, accurate, and inclusive sex education that prepares them for healthy and fulfilling lives.

Recommendations

Based on the review of puberty and sexual education in 1991, the following recommendations are made:

Increase access to comprehensive sex education: Governments, schools, and educational institutions should prioritize comprehensive sex education, ensuring that all young people have access to accurate and inclusive information about their bodies, relationships, and sexuality.
Address stigma and taboo surrounding sex education: Educators, parents, and communities should work to address the stigma and taboo surrounding sex education, promoting open and honest discussions about these topics.
Provide trained educators and resources: Governments and educational institutions should invest in training educators and providing resources to support effective sex education.

References

(List of sources used in the paper)

The concept of "relationships and romantic storylines" is the heartbeat of human storytelling. From the ancient epics of Troy to the latest viral Netflix drama, we are biologically and emotionally wired to seek out narratives of connection, conflict, and intimacy.

But what makes a romantic storyline truly resonate? Why do some fictional couples live in our heads rent-free for decades, while others feel like cardboard cutouts?

Here is a deep dive into the mechanics of romantic storylines and why they remain the most powerful driver in media and literature. 1. The Anatomy of a Compelling Romantic Storyline

A great romantic arc isn't just about two people falling in love; it’s about the friction that keeps them apart and the growth that brings them together.

The Internal Conflict: The best stories feature characters who have a reason not to be in a relationship. Perhaps they are afraid of vulnerability, haunted by a past betrayal, or focused entirely on a non-romantic goal. The romance serves as the catalyst for them to face their own flaws.

The External Stakes: This is the "Romeo and Juliet" factor. Family feuds, career rivalries, or literal wars provide the pressure cooker that makes the eventual union feel earned and triumphant.

The "Slow Burn": Modern audiences crave the slow burn—the buildup of tension where every glance or accidental touch carries weight. This phase allows for deep character development before the physical relationship even begins. 2. Popular Tropes: Why We Love the Familiar

Tropes are the building blocks of romantic storylines. While they can be clichés if handled poorly, they provide a comfortable framework for exploring complex emotions.

Enemies to Lovers: This is arguably the most popular trope in modern fiction. It provides built-in tension and a satisfying "thaw" as characters realize their preconceptions were wrong.

Fake Dating: This trope forces characters into intimate situations, allowing them to skip the "small talk" phase and see each other's true selves under the guise of a lie.

The Soulmate Bond: Whether literal (fantasy) or figurative, the idea that there is "one person" meant for another taps into a deep-seated human desire for destiny and belonging. 3. The Shift Toward "Healthy" Representation

In the past, romantic storylines often romanticized toxic behaviors—obsessiveness, stalking, or "changing" a partner through sheer force of will. Today, there is a significant shift toward portraying healthy relationship dynamics, even within dramatic settings. Writers are now focusing on:

Communication: Seeing couples actually talk through their problems instead of relying on "the big misunderstanding."

Mutual Respect: Partners who support each other’s individual dreams rather than requiring one person to sacrifice everything for the sake of the relationship.

Boundaries: Navigating personal space and individual identity within a partnership. 4. Why Romantic Storylines Matter

Beyond entertainment, romantic storylines serve as a mirror for our own lives. They help us:

Rehearse Emotions: We experience the highs of a first kiss and the lows of a breakup from a safe distance, helping us process our own feelings.

Define Values: By watching characters choose between love and power, or love and safety, we clarify what we value in our own real-world relationships.

Hope: At their core, romantic storylines are optimistic. They suggest that despite the chaos of the world, connection is possible and worth the struggle. The Verdict

Whether it’s a subplot in a gritty action movie or the main focus of a Regency-era novel, "relationships and romantic storylines" are the glue that holds characters together. They remind us that the most significant adventures usually involve the heart.

This content is designed to mimic a school pamphlet, educational video script, or health textbook chapter from that era. Note the emphasis on "Growing Up," "Responsibility," and the specific terminology used before the digital age.

5. Parental Involvement

In 1991, the "home vs. school" dynamic was pronounced. Many parents believed sex education was the family's responsibility, yet few felt comfortable actually having the conversation. Schools acted as the clinical middle ground. A typical review of the time would note that parents often signed permission slips hoping the school would handle the "technical" details so they wouldn't have to.

Part 5: A Comparative Timeline – 1991 to 2025

To understand how dramatic the shift has been, consider this comparison:

Title: Growing Up: A Guide to Puberty and Your Changing Body (1991 Edition)

Introduction: You Are Not Alone Growing up is an adventure. It can be exciting, confusing, and sometimes a little scary. Between the ages of 9 and 16, your body goes through a process called puberty. This is the time when a child’s body begins to change into an adult body. Remember: everyone goes through it, but not at the same time or the same speed. Don’t worry if you are early or late—everyone has their own internal clock. Contraception: A rubbery model of a penis used

4. What Was Missing?

Reviewing 1991 education through a modern lens reveals significant blind spots:

Consent: There was little to no discussion of "affirmative consent." The concept of "No means No" existed, but the nuanced understanding of non-verbal cues, power dynamics, and enthusiastic consent was largely absent.
LGBTQ+ Inclusion: Sexual education in 1991 was overwhelmingly heteronormative. LGBTQ+ students were largely invisible in the curriculum, or discussion of homosexuality was restricted to contexts of HIV transmission risk, often accompanied by stigma.
Emotional Intelligence: Puberty education focused on the physical body. The psychological impacts of changing bodies—body dysmorphia, mood swings, and the pressure of gender roles—were rarely addressed in depth.

1. The Good: What 1991 Got Right

Explicit Anatomy: By 1991, resources had moved past euphemisms like “private parts.” Diagrams of the penis, testicles, vagina, uterus, and ovaries were clear and labeled. The menstrual cycle was explained in moderate detail (follicular phase, luteal phase, etc.).
STD Awareness (The AIDS Effect): The late 80s HIV/AIDS crisis fundamentally changed sex ed. By 1991, condom demonstrations (often on a wooden penis model) and discussions of “safe sex” had entered many classrooms, though not universally. Herpes and HPV were also mentioned.
Puberty Mechanics: The physical changes—voice deepening, breast development, pubic hair, wet dreams (nocturnal emissions), and erections—were covered accurately for both sexes, though usually in separate rooms (boys in one class, girls in another).

Part 3: Changes for Everyone

No matter if you are a boy or a girl, you will share some common experiences:

Skin and Hair: Hormones (chemicals in your body) make oil glands more active. This can lead to acne (pimples). Washing your face daily with soap can help. You will also sweat more, so showering daily and using deodorant is very important.
Mood Swings: One minute you might feel happy, and the next you feel sad or angry. This is caused by hormones affecting your brain. It is normal to feel confused or emotional.
New Feelings: You may start to have different feelings about people. You might find yourself attracted to others. This is a natural part of growing up.