Ask Dan & Jennifer

The purity ring is your decision; don’t let their heckling bring you down. If they tell you ways they will get you to sleep with them tell them they are so ugly you would never even touch them. They talk about their sex life say something snarky like “your partner didn’t mind that smell?” or “oh she told me she had to fake it because you were so small” or something just to catch them off guard. They tease you because they think you are different, or they don’t understand. They also target you because it bothers you... it may not stop till they get older but that’s just their immaturity not yours, plenty of them have probably never had sex they are just too embarrassed to say anything in front of their friends.

I understand your desire to express your commitment. But if you're going to wear the ring you're going to be hassled about it. So you'll have to stop wearing the ring or come up with some good come-backs! Sorry!

Sunglasses: First, let me compliment you on your maturity in making a conscious decision about your sexual values. Too many people just believe the same thing the people around them believe and never think consciously about one of the most important choices they will ever make.

Scarbowl is right. People are going to hassle you about it. One thing you may want to consider is changing the people you hang around with. Girls who make decisions like yours often find strength in fellowship. You aren't the only person who's made this decision. You need to make sure you're hanging around with girls, and guys, who respect this decision. One think to remember is that people who take stands always get heckled. Antislavery activists, civil rights activists, and even people who were seeking the vote for women were heckled. "If they're shooting at you, you must be doing something right."

I think the best comeback for anything like this is "That's my business." "That's my business" is simple, assertive, non-offensive and has the added benefit of being true. If they repeat something, you respond with "That's my business." You repeat it as long as it takes. They'll get tired if they realize they can't fluster you. If you cuss them, you're buying into their game. By telling them "That's my business" you're asserting your right to not play their game. They aren't going to go brag to their friends, "She told me it's her business."

Best wishes. if you need any support, this is the place to come. We respect people's right to make decision about their bodies and we'll support you all the way.

I don't know how old you are right now, but I remember being in middle school and it was social hell; there was so much drama, rumors going around, people teasing each other or back stabbing each other. The boys who are teasing you are immature. I am a little concerned that the boys said that they would make you have sex with them, because that would be considered as sexual harassment in my school... By wearing the purity ring, you are publicizing your stance and leaving yourself open. You need to comfortable with your decision and not let the boys' teasing bother you (it's no fun for them if you don't react or get bothered). I hope this helps!