I HAVE been seeing my girlfriend for six months and she is my first serious girlfriend. We are both 16 and although we have not had sex yet she has suggested that we try it. I must admit I have not been too happy about having sex with her and have resisted her encouragement. I am wondering if my feelings are really about fancying her brother. I feel this is not right and people will not want anything to do with me if I admit to having feelings for another boy. What can I do? I feel so anxious about it.

Firstly, it's important you don't do anything you don't feel ready to do. Whether or not there is uncertainty around your sexuality, engaging in sex when you are not sure can lead to problems. It is also quite common at your age for young people of both sexes to have crushes/feelings for people of their own sex, and is something that passes with time. However, if you know that you are attracted to your own sex but are denying this because you feel others will react differently to you, or reject you, eventually you will have to be honest with yourself. While you are facing this dilemma it might be wise to take the pressure off yourself and explain to your girlfriend you are not ready. At the same time contact Relate for young people's counselling to gain some clarity and support.

MY GRAN lives with us now because she can't manage on her own and there is just mum and me since dad left us last year. Gran hasn't got much money, so to make ends meet mum now has a full-time job that means I have to look after gran when I get home from school. I have a lot of homework to do and it has always been hard to make time to go out with my friends, now it is impossible. Gran is on her own during the day and wants me with her when I get home. I feel I am losing my precious time to her and am starting to resent it.

I don't know your age but it may be that you feel you are being burdened with responsibility beyond your capability. I appreciate that mum is taking on more work and is less accessible. This is not ideal. Try talking to your mum and explain how this is affecting you and look if there is any help that can be given either through social services or your gran's GP. If not, are there any other family members who can take a turn at sitting with your gran? That way you can give the necessary time to your homework and socialising.