"They are uncomfortable talking about sex because they don't want people to think they know about it"

The quote by Sue Johanson, "They are uncomfortable discussing sex because they don't want people to think they understand about it", highlights the complex relationship individuals typically have with discussing sexual subjects. This pain stems mostly from social standards and individual insecurities.

First of all, talking about sex openly challenges societal taboos. Many cultures traditionally view sex as a personal matter, causing a social preconception around honest conversations about it. The fear of judgment or being identified as promiscuous may prevent people from participating in such discussions. For instance, somebody may worry that demonstrating knowledge on the subject could suggest personal experience they are not all set to expose, hence inviting scrutiny or chatter.

Moreover, this unwillingness frequently ties back to concerns of self-esteem and identity. People may feel vulnerable confessing either lack of knowledge or familiarity, as both can affect how they are perceived in their social circles. Confessing knowledge might recommend a level of intimacy or sex one may not wish to reveal, while ignorance might be seen as naïveté. This paradox causes people to navigate discussions carefully, stabilizing between appearing informed yet not too educated.

Moreover, educational background plays a significant function. Where sex education is minimal or missing, individuals grow up without the tools to go over these subjects with self-confidence. The absence of correct sexual education types false information and misconceptions, increasing hesitancy in initiating or taking part in conversations. This is compounded by media representation, where sex is frequently sensationalized, forming unrealistic expectations and reinforcing mistaken beliefs about typical sexual behavior.

Finally, generational differences in attitudes towards sex include another layer of pain. Older generations may hold more conservative views, resulting in stress when more youthful generations, who may tend to be more unbiased about going over sex, attempt these conversations. This generational divide can hinder open and healthy discussion throughout age.

In conclusion, the discomfort around talking about sex, as highlighted by Johanson, is deeply rooted in societal standards, cultural backgrounds, educational experiences, personal insecurities, and intergenerational differences. Conquering this involves fostering open, judgment-free environments where individuals feel safe to discover and reveal their views about sexuality.