Oh, I did plenty of "yearning" as a teen-ager, too, E. I "yearned" for several boys. It was a sort of all-consuming "yearning," which I did not recognize as specifically sexual..
Fortunately (I think) for me, my "yearnings" were never reciprocated.
I agree there is something to be said for letting a girl learn, well in advance of marriageable age, just what the emotional toll of a sexual relationship can be. But -- ow!!
Besides, it seems to me that young girls who begin having sex very early -- and who therefore are more likely to have multiple sexual partners -- are in danger of becoming emotionally desensitized. Sex can become no more important than blowing your nose -- which is all right, I guess, but not very exciting.
Blue Lagooners like to make the point that in other societies 13 and 14 year old girls get married, and have sex. Well, the assumption in such societies is that the girls are going to have sex with just one partner, and that they will produce children right away. They are not going to be passed around from hand to hand. Not, that is, unless they are sold to work as prostitutes -- which can also happen. But is that an example to emulate?
I am glad, incidentally, that I had sons and not daughters. I am sure it was easier.
Joan |
