Turns out, there's a few more things she forgot
to mention. Remember when your mom found your séx ed book and launched
into a diatribe about how "heavy petting" (yes, that was a glossary
term) is what led to your consummation?
No, just me? Well, lucky you, readers. Either way, when it comes to
dispensing knowledge on relationships, there are undoubtedly some things
dear old mom left out. Hey, it's her job! Now don't tell her we told you, but here are our five more frontrunners:
1. Timing > Love
It's possible your mother imparted on you the infamous "timing is
everything" wisdom, but it's more possible she opted for the far more
optimistic: "love conquers all". The fact is, the first one is true, and
the second one isn't. There will be people you'll love in your life,
who'll also love you, but that doesn't mean they're the "forever" ones.
That may be life's biggest lesson: love isn't always enough. And what's
more frustrating, you can be extremely compatible with this person, and
everything seems so easy like you've always heard it should be — but if
someone's not ready to move forward, they just won't. It's like a
boulder, you can't move it on your own and you'll exhaust yourself
trying, not to mention waste your time. Still, there is a sliver lining:
these same people serve a significant purpose in your life, and more
importantly, help both shape your character as well as make you realize
what you want and need in a partner.
2. Don't, Um, Suck In Bed
Well, my mom actually did tell me this, in a somewhat round about
way, but it was so shocking I'm convinced this isn't normal. When I was
in high school, she received a wedding invitation in the mail, and
informed me the two people getting married were both virgins; then said
this verbatim: "Can you imagine? Talk about missionary position
forever." It's only now, more than 10 years later, I realize what she
really meant was: don't be afraid to experiment a little before locking
it down, and especially with your current significant other.
3. Séx Spells, They're A Thing
What is a séx spell, you ask? It's an unexplainable desire and pull
towards someone you'd likely never even be in a serious relationship
with, but you're both completely infatuated and bonded to despite little
to no rational reason. This doesn't always have to equal great séx
(though it almost always does), there's just a natural, almost
unshakable attraction. And here's the real kicker your mother would
never own up to: a true one can be harder to find, and at certain times
in your life even more fulfilling, than love.
4. Good-On-Paper-Guys Are Often The Ones. You Need
To Watch Out For You've heard of sociopaths, right? Well, it basically
goes like this: that guy your mom's best friend wants to set you up with
— the one who's on the partner track at his finance firm, comes from a
great family, and compliments your mom's even dubious fashion choices
—yeah, well, he could be a big fat shady liar. Inside tip: beware the
collection of white lies, those can actually be more character defining
than one whopper.
5. A One-Night-Stand Doesn't Always Equal Doom
Don't get me wrong, I'm not necessarily condoning these. But there
are times when getting caught up in the moment makes you feel alive, and
can be exactly what we need (just be safe!). While I'm grateful my mom
scared the bejesus out of me when it came to séx, as it's prohibited me
from making a multitude of careless choices, I've realized as an adult
you shouldn't beat yourself up if you act on said moments; what's
important is that it's a moment you want to act on. Because who knows,
maybe there's a reason you did.
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