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By Marissa Yeo
Sex is not a taboo topic in my home.
My mother is more than happy to answer my queries about sex whenever I have one.
She has even cautioned half-jokingly that if I were to get pregnant, I would still have to go to school with a big belly, because abortions are a strict no-no.
She gives her views neutrally but without pulling her punches, so that I get a rounded idea of the issues involved, not just one biased opinion.
Once she even turned the tables on me - she asked me if I knew what the process of sex was.
I told her. Or I revealed my knowledge, which was a mix of what my primary school classmates and I shared, coupled with scientific facts from biology class. I recited the technical process of sex, while trying to weave in colourful words such as 'erection' and 'ejaculation' where I felt appropriate.
My mother informed me, however, that I was only partially right. While I had understood the biological process, that was only part of it, she said.
What was even more important was to understand the meaning and implications of sex.
I'm lucky, I know.
Most teenagers would rather have their teeth pulled than talk to their parents about sex. Most would go to look for answers elsewhere.
Anywhere else.
But I felt more secure that it was my mother who explained the mystery of sex to me as I trusted and looked up to her.
I knew that my feelings about such sensitive questions would be safe with her, as she cared about me. So you can be anonymous while surfing the Internet for answers, but it is equally callous and impersonal.
Plus, she has all the time in the world for me, and I know that I won't be getting instant pre-recorded Wiki-answers. The Internet is great when you need info on the go, but some things are just worth taking the time for.
Marissa Yeo, 15, is a Secondary 3 student at Tanjong Katong Girls' School and a member of the IN Crowd 2009.
This article was first published in The Straits Times.
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