In this sense, the sex drive responsible for producing each of us connects us seamlessly with nature, with the whole universe, and with each other. From puberty, we too become participants in the great dance of creation. We experience sexual urges and attractions, and are capable of sexual behaviour – erotic behaviour.
Each will have a stronger or weaker personal biological and psychological disposition affecting the degree to which we acknowledge and act upon this new capability. In addition, by paying attention to people around us – parents, close family, others in our schools and communities, not least our peers – and through the powerful influence of the media – radio, television, films and the internet – we develop our sexual strategies, working towards becoming fully biologically and psychologically adult sexual beings.
There is a balance to be struck between indulgence and restraint; and this can be very complicated, particularly because – although auto-eroticism is common, entirely normal and healthy – sex involves intimate interactions with another person, with other people. The predicament often presents a minefield during adolescence, when it is easy to make mistakes and get hurt, or hurt others. The advice we receive may be contradictory:
“Keep yourself pure for the one partner who is right for you”, for example, “Have as many sexual partners as possible, then you will be better prepared to recognize the one who is your true life-partner”.
