Bella wanted to have sex with Edward, but he wanted to wait.

Congrats, gURLie! We see that gorgeous smile on your face. You’re dating someone amazing. So smart, funny, cute and even your trash-talking besties approve. There’s just one problem. He or she is ready for sex and you’re not. Or maybe it’s you who wants to go all the way, and they’re the unsure one.

Sometimes our sexual timelines don’t match up with our boyfriends and girlfriends. And don’t worry, you’re not the first one to face this. We have all been dealing with this issue since the beginning of time. Back in the day Janet Jackson even had a song called, “Let’s Wait A While.”

Sometimes it's the guy who wants to move more quickly.

That said, if your sex timer is on pause and your partner’s clock is on go, go, go? It all comes down to communication. You never, ever want to feel like you are committing yourself to a sexual situation under pressure. Say something like, “Hey Schmoopie Cupie (or whatever your mushy pet name is), I’m so glad that you’re into me the way that I’m into you. I’m excited about the idea of a future with you. The thing is, right now I am just not ready to have sex. It doesn’t have anything to do with you or how I feel about you, it’s really just where I am. It might change over time, but right now I’m not ready.”

Be straight forward and be clear. You want to have this conversation when you are in a neutral situation. It might be awkward but talk about it over a sandwich or after a bike ride. Try not to wait until you’re in a steamy situation to let the other person in on your choice.

And if you’re the one who’s ready to get more intimate than your partner? Listen to what they have to say, and respect that it takes a lot of courage to be honest about wanting to take things slower. If you love them, they’re worth the wait. Promise.

What you decide to do with your body is always up to you and only you. Anyone who truly cares about you will respect your thoughts—and your body. Sexual pressure isn’t love, and it’s not what you want in your relationship.

WDYT? Have you ever been in a similar situation? Sound off in the comments.

Lifestyle expert Abiola Abrams is an MTV Made Teen Dating Empowerment Coach, host of “Abiola’s Kiss and Tell Web TV” and author of the upcoming Official Bombshell Handbook. Find her scrapbooking with pink feathers at AbiolaTV.com.