Making Decisions: Waiting
What Are the Benefits of Saving Sex for Marriage?
Not having sex allows you the freedom to not worry about disease, pregnancy or emotional issues. This will leave you time to dream about your future.• Fun
Not having sex allows you to have fun and develop relationships with a lot of different people. You don’t have to worry about the ups and downs associated with dating one person.
• Confidence
Being in control of your life will empower you to determine your destiny. It also allows you to make your dreams a reality, without living with the regret of a poor choice.
• Self-Respect
It is you, not the person you date that determines your value. By not having sex, you aren’t looking to someone else for their approval
Why Should I Remain a Virgin?
There are a lot of good reasons to abstain from sex until marriage:1) You could get pregnant or father a pregnancy.
2) STDs are rampant and are at epidemic levels in this country. Most STDs occur in teenagers and young adults.
3) Abstinence is the best method of preventing pregnancy and STD infection—condoms and birth control aren’t as effective.
4) Some sexually transmitted diseases (particularly pelvic inflammatory disease from chlamydia or gonorrhea) can cause infertility by scarring the fallopian tubes. This means that later in life when a woman wants to get pregnant it may be impossible because of the damage caused by an STD.
5) One sexually transmitted infection, human papillomavirus virus (HPV), can lead to cancer of the cervix.
6) Emotional “baggage” often comes along with having sex as a teen. Who needs it…now or later?
7) Sex does not enhance a teenage relationship. It actually often accelerates the breakup of a relationship.
8) Two-thirds of teenagers who have already had sex say they wished that they had waited longer.
9) Having “casual” sex can affect your marriage relationship later in life.
10) Many teens—especially girls—don’t feel good about themselves after engaging in sexual activity.
11) Sexually active teens are more likely to experience depression.
12) Sexually active teens are more likely to drink, smoke and use drugs.
13) Having sex can affect your reputation.
14) Having sex can hurt your relationship with your parents.
15) For teens who are spiritual, having sex usually is a roadblock to a vibrant spiritual journey.
If these reasons aren’t convincing enough then talk to a friend who has been sexually active and ask if they would have waited longer if they could do it over again. The majority of teens surveyed said they wish they’d have waited longer.
How Can I Make Saving Sex for Marriage a Reality?
1) Talk to your parents about your decision to abstain from sex until marriage2) Make a pledge because studies show that pledges help teens delay sex
3) Be accountable to a mentor, teacher, parent or community leader
4) Take responsibility for your body by setting boundaries, dressing appropriately and avoiding compromising situations
5) Stay in control by avoiding drugs and alcohol
6) Hang with friends who share and support your decision
7) Spend time in groups, rather than alone when you go on dates
8) Get involved in something you love. Use this time of your life to learn about yourself. Don’t waste it by having others define you.
(waittraining.org)