Dear MrNFLPimp,

It all depends. Sexual orientation — being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or straight — is about sexual attraction. All these sexual orientations are perfectly normal. Sometimes, sexual attraction is brief and may be about curiosity or about something else. Other times it may be more long-lasting.

It can take years to understand our sexual orientation. Often, people may find that they are "questioning" for quite a while, or that none of the labels seem to apply. Each of us has to answer these questions for ourselves, but it may take time before we can answer. Rest assured that many teens (and adults too!) are still figuring out their sexuality, so what you're experiencing is more common than you might think.

The website OutProud has resources that may help you sort through your feelings about sexual attraction and orientation.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.