Dear Yvonne,
I want to explore more of my sexuality and fulfill some fantasies, but I get nervous about it. How do you overcome that? 
                  —Donna

Dear Donna,
First, educate yourself. Knowledge is power and the more you know about what you plan to explore, the more confident you’ll feel. Books, videos, expert reassurances, and hearing other’s stories can also bolster your sense of assuredness in pursuing your passions.

Second, realize that you need to be patient with yourself. Your nervousness will subside with time, especially as you gain experience and feel savvier with what you’re doing.

Finally, make sure that, when necessary, you’re exploring your sexuality with a person(s) who provide you with physical and emotional safety. You don’t need anybody judging you or adding to the performance pressure you’re putting on yourself.

Dr. Yvonne Kristín Fulbright is a sex educator, relationship expert, columnist and founder of Sexuality Source Inc. She is the author of several books including, “Touch Me There! A Hands-On Guide to Your Orgasmic Hot Spots.”

Dear  Yvonne,
As a sophomore in college, I have a serious crush for the first time and I’m not sure if I like or dislike the sensations. What’s happening to me?
— Kaylie

Dear Kaylie,
As you become more infatuated with somebody, a lot of your time and energy goes to focusing on that individual and all of the events – or anything else – associated with that person. A person with a serious crush can seem almost obsessive with what’s called “intrusive thinking” – can’t get you out of my head. Some will feel awkward and nervous around a crush (with physical reactions to boot, for example, your heartbeat picks up), which isn’t always seen as a good thing. Away from a beloved or in processing a negative signal, you can feel depressed, full of despair or even listless. You may even experience “separation anxiety.” Perhaps the most frustrating thing is that one can’t really control these emotions unless they cut themselves off from the source entirely.

At the same time, if your crush experience is turning out to be positive, and your love object is returning your affections, all of the above will become addictive like a drug. So many would say that these things aren’t necessarily bad. Many thrive off of these roller coaster reactions. Either way, know that what you’re experiencing is perfectly normal!

Dr. Yvonne Kristín Fulbright is a sex educator, relationship expert, columnist and founder of Sexuality Source Inc. She is the author of several books including, “Touch Me There! A Hands-On Guide to Your Orgasmic Hot Spots.”