In my experience in schools, I have often been saddened, and sometimes angered, by the cruel way that some boys and girls, more often boys, ridicule class- mates whom they consider different from themselves. Often this ridicule, which includes name-calling, is directed against boys whose physical develop- ment is slower than that of most of their classmated or who are not particularly interested in sports, vigorous phusical activity, and the sorts of behaviour that we too easily labes as 'male'. It is wrong, both factually and morally, to take part in such cruel activities. even though they may not be intended to be cruel.

It is wrong factually because it assumes that any boy or girl who is not 'all boy' or 'all girl' is probably going to turn out to be a homosexual, which simply is not so. We usually cannot tell who is going to turn out to be gay and who straight. It is wrong morally because it is cruel, puts people down, and makes them feel bad about themselves. Also, it assumes that there is only one right way to turn out. It is not easy for most of us to be considerate of the feelings, preferences, and personalities of other people all of the time, especially of people we see as different from ourselves, but it is a sign of maturity to show such consideration.

I want to say a few words about necking and petting, which you probably have discussed, wondered about, and possibly experimented with. Necking is generally understood to include putting your arms around a person's neck or waist, holding hands, sitting close or cheek to cheek, and light kissing. It is a way of expressing your affection for that person, but it does not involve trying arouse him or her to readiness for sexual intercourse. Petting goes much further and invoves caressing the most sensitive parts of the body, such as the breasts or genitals, and deep kissing.

It is the kind of lovemaking that makes a couple ready for intercourse. The term making out can refer to either necking or petting. It's only natural and healthy to feel like expressing your affection for other people by touching them.

It is a delightful fact that babies and little children crave and needs lots of physical love from their parents or those who care for them, and you have probably many times in the past enjoyed a good hug and kiss from your mother or father - and other relatives, too. There can be a similar sort of enjoyment and warmth in physical contact with a member of the other sex who is near your age. Even so, there are some very important things to be kept in mind concerning such physical contact, particularly by boys and girls in their terms.