Bringing up Sensitive Topics

[Loving Linux Penguin]

Bringing up Sensitive Topics

A while ago, I started having an issue in my genital area. I was worried sick the day after I noticed it (it started up the night before). I found myself having trouble concentrating in my classes because I was so worried about what might be wrong. I talked with my school counselor because I wanted to see if I could go to the doctor without my parents knowing why. He convinced me to man up and talk to my dad about what was going on. So, I did talk to him and with him knowing what was up I made a doctor's appointment in private.

I just couldn't keep my worries bottled up any longer. I was dying to let it out and talk to a couple of my friends about this, you know, to see if they'd had a similar experience. But this had me worried more still. How could I approach my friend without him freaking out and both of us damaging our relationship?

If you want to talk to a friend about normally taboo topics, one way to let them know you want to talk is to write them a note. My friend was playing cards with some of his classmates (we're in different grades) and I didn't want all of them to know. I just wrote a note that said "Can I talk to you about something private after school in the cafeteria?". He nodded yes and we agreed on a time. If they ask you what's going on when you meet and you don't want to actually say it out loud, just write it down. When my friend asked me what was on my mind, I just wrote on a piece of paper "issue down there". He instantly understood and I asked him if I could be blunt. He said yes and I told him.

If, on the other hand, you prefer not to talk in person, I've got some advice there too. I used this method with two of my other friends. I first contacted them via a social networking site, email, or text. I asked "Do you mind talking about guy stuff?" (this works for girls too, just replace guy with girl). In both cases, they said it was okay and then I was blunt in explaining (privately, again via social networking site, email, or texting). I found it a little more comfortable to do it this way.

All in all, this whole experience has made me a lot more comfortable talking about this kind of topic. I now know that I have three friends that are ready and willing to support me in this kind of thing, and one of them has already asked me something he was wondering about.

I hope this might help some of you out if you feel you need to talk to someone!