Ask Anita

Dear Anita:
I’m an 18-year-old male and I’ve always had a physical attraction to both genders. Now that I’m a little older, I see that I find the emotional and physical part with just girls, and with guys it seems to be only physical. I wouldn’t rule out dating another guy or anything, but I just feel only physically attracted to them, not emotionally. In other words, it’s like I can fall in love with a girl, and with girls its like the whole package for me, but with guys its only physical. So I asked myself what I would answer if and when someone was to ask me my sexual orientation. What would I say? Thank you for your time and advice in advance. ~Not Labeled

Dear NL:
What you say is entirely up to you. If you feel the need to be totally honest, you could say you’re “bisexual,” or you could simply say you’re “sexual” and leave a little room for mystery.

We’re all sexual beings, after all, and it’s not uncommon to be sexually attracted to both men and women, but find ourselves developing emotional attachments to only one gender.

But ultimately, it doesn’t matter what you say because labels aren’t important, people are. So practice safe sex at all times, and when you’re ready for a deeper commitment, be a kind, caring, faithful, loving partner.

I do have one word of caution, though: If you’re dating another guy who’s really into you and you’re just in it for the sex, please be considerate and tell the truth. It isn’t fair to lead someone on when you know you’ll never be able to reciprocate emotionally.

Other than that, don’t worry about your sexual orientation or anyone’s opinion of it. Just enjoy being the unique, sexy, wonderful guy that you are!

Thanks for writing.