Is
it possible to wait until marriage for sex?
YES!
In fact, more and more teens are choosing abstinence in order
to remain healthy. In 2001, federal data reported that 54.4%
of high school students said they had not had sex.
Abstinence
is an important decision for everyone because of the protection
it offers. If you are a virgin, good for you! You have made
a healthy choice for your life. If you have already had sex
and recommitted yourself to abstinence. Way to go! You too
are now on a healthier path for your life.
If
are currently sexually active it’s never too late to
recommit to waiting for sex. Abstinence is something that
is always worth thinking about because of how it protects
you from the possible consequences sex can bring.
So,
what do you do? Put a STOP
to sexual activity until marriage. Here are some suggestions
for how to go about following through on living an abstinent
lifestyle.
Put
a STOP on Sex until Marriage
Set
Goals
Knowing
why you want to practice abstinence and what you hope to
accomplish helps make the decision real. Write out what
you hope to achieve. Post your goals somewhere so that you
see them often. Share them with a parent or friend who can
encourage you. Believe in yourself. You can do it!
Talk
About Your Decision
Talk early and often about your decision to
remain abstinent with your boyfriend or girlfriend. Don’t
be afraid to communicate about it. State it from the beginning
of your relationship. Remind yourselves before you go out.
Review the benefits it will bring to your relationship.
The more you talk about it the easier it will be to follow
through.
Off-Limits
OK…this may seem like a no-brainer, but
it’s still really important. If you want to remain
abstinent then you have to be smart about the things you
do. Draw affection lines so that you don’t go too
far. Don’t spend tons of time alone where even things
like cuddling can get out of hand. Don’t watch movies
together with scenes that may “heat up” the
situation. Be smart. Set boundaries and live by them.
Positive Peer Pressure
The
easiest way to stay true to something is to find people
who believe the same thing and hang out with them. Peer
pressure does not have to be negative. It can be just the
thing that can help someone consistently make good and healthy
choices. It’s always easier making choices when you
know you’re not the only one making them. Plus, hanging
out with friends creates memories that will last a lifetime!
