Abstinence

Abstinence means doing without something. People choose not to have sex for many reasons:

• Just don’t feel ready
• Moral and/or religious values
• It would upset parents
• Wanting to wait until marriage
• Protection from STDs, HIV/AIDS, and pregnancy
• Had sex already and felt it was a mistake

Abstinence isn’t forever—it just means a person has decided to wait. Other ways to show affection and share closeness are: talking, holding hands, hugging, and kissing.

TIPS
When you have decided to abstain from sex, these tips might help you to maintain your decision if you are placed in situations in which you feel threatened:

• Set your personal limits- what you will and will not do in a relationship
• Discuss your feelings with your partner
• Learn to say NO and mean it
• Don’t use alcohol or other drugs that make it hard to say NO or stay in control