Do you tend to blush? Or are you just afraid of saying something stupid? Don’t be. Talking openly about sex and contraception takes a little practice but there’s absolutely nothing to be ashamed about. Don’t hesitate to discuss these topics with your friends. You’ll see: The more you talk about it, the easier it gets. To break the ice, we’ve put together a few conversation starters for you.

“What would you do?”

Sometimes a new love can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to sex. With all these new experiences and expectations, it can feel as if your life is turned upside down. And when it does, there’s no shame in asking your friends for a little advice. Just describe the situation as plain and simple as you can – and ask people what they would do if they were in your shoes.

“Who do you talk to about this?”

It might seem to you like your friends are the experts in terms of what’s best for you. But in some cases, it’s better to talk to a trustworthy adult or a professional. Why not ask your friends who they talk to about things such as sex and contraception? You might get some great recommendations for healthcare providers and people who can help you with difficult questions. You can also find more tips on how to talk about it here.

“Isn’t it funny that…?”

Humor is a fantastic way to start a conversation about sex. You know why? Because very often, sex can actually be hilarious. It’s a normal part of life and, just like life itself, it is not perfect or as they show it in the movies. There are all kinds of funny incidents which might seem incredibly embarrassing at first but turn out to be something many of your friends have experienced too. So next time you fail to unhook a bra or sneeze during a kiss, have the guts to just share the story. And the laughs.

“How are you feeling?”

It may sound almost too simple but sometimes the best way to find answers is to ask questions. Talk to your friends about their lovers or relationships. Show them that you’re interested and that they can open up to you about the problems or questions they might have. There is a lot you can learn from the experiences of others.

“Let’s find out together!”

Many problems seem much bigger than they are, simply because you’re tackling them on your own. Sometimes it can help to involve other people in whatever it is you’re struggling with. For example, if you’re trying to find out which method of contraception is right for you, you can talk about it to a friend. They won’t be able to give you all the answers, but together you can do the research and find a healthcare provider who will answer your questions.