10 Reasons Why I Should Wait
By Valerie Santos

Girls, you are a smart, cute teenage girl and loving it, right? Your family loves you, you have great friends, and you have dreams for the future. You can be anything you want to be, you can do whatever you set your mind and heart to do. So, why not wait for something that can have some hefty consequences if you're not ready? Sex is not only a quick physical act, but it can also have strong emotional, spiritual, and psychological commitments. It's serious and so are the risks, such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and pregnancy.

Being a teenage girl is great fun, but it's also very confusing. It's a time to figure out who you are, what your values are, and where you are going in life. There are so many things to think about as you grow. You are a fabulous, unique person yet there are so many messages around you. There's the media, your friends, your parents and other adults – it can be a challenge to know who to listen to. The people who really care about you will help you make the best decisions for YOU.

So, what are teens like you thinking about when it comes to waiting for sex? Advocates for Youth (A4Y) did a little investigating to find out. There is strength in numbers and here are some things that 1,000 Pinoy youth said about the merits of waiting. They are talking about love and romance vs. sex, the responsibilities and consequences that can come with sex, and how they need to do things now to prepare for their future.

If anyone suggests you try sex, here are some creative ways to respond. Get together with a group of your own gal pals and come up with your own list.

10. Real love means respect, right time, and responsibility. We can learn so much more about each other by agreeing to wait together.

9. Sex is sooo much different than love – let's start on love first. Having sex doesn't prove I love him or he loves me. I don't want to give in now and then regret my decision later. How would I feel if it's just a one-night stand? I'd be so embarrassed and can't deal with the pain.

8. I'm still trying to figure out who I am. I don't want to complicate that. Sex can be confusing. It can play with my heart and twist it inside out. I'll leave the drama to the TV shows.

7. I have dreams. I want to be a journalist, a doctor, an artist, a flight attendant, etc. These skills take time and dedication. For now, I want to concentrate on school, build a career and help out my family. I'm acting today to build my dream "tomorrow."

6. Sex can wait. It's a quick act, but can have lasting responsibilities. For now, I have enough responsibility in finishing school and helping my younger siblings.

5. I will be a better parent when I'm married and ready. I'm just not ready for the responsibility of being a parent now. How can I be a good mom when I'm just a kid?

4. There are a lot of fun things to do while I have few responsibilities. I love to talk about music, movies, fashion, and travel. I love to play sports, hang out with friends, and go to the mall. If I get pregnant, I'd be at home all the time changing diapers while my friends are out being teens.

3. I want to enjoy being with all my friends. I may want a boyfriend, but I also need my girl time. I also love to meet new people. Who wants to be too serious with just one person? If I got pregnant, there may not be much time for anyone but the baby.

2. I'm already cool! There's no need to prove it. My real friends stand behind me on this. We're creative. We can stand up to any peer pressure if we stick together. Besides there's nothing cool about syphilis, gonorrhea, HIV, or any other STD.

1. I'm worth it! I'm a hip, smart girl. I see a good career and a happy family in my future. Holding on to my values makes me a stronger person. I'm worth the wait!