When you're making out with a guy, how do you stop it from going too far without hurting his feelings?
- Andrea*

It's obvious that you really like and care about this guy because you're concerned about his feelings. The best approach with him is honesty. Let him know straight up that you aren't ready to go any farther. Hopefully, he's concerned about your feelings, too, and respects what you're ready for.

A relationship is a mutual partnership, and if one of you isn't ready, the couple as a whole isn't ready. Everyone progresses at different paces sexually, and every relationship is different based on the two individuals involved. Something special like physical contact is private and shouldn't be embarrassing or even hurtful if one of you isn't ready.

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: August 2010

* Names have been changed to protect user privacy.