Abstinence

What is abstinence?

Abstinence is not having sex. A person who decides to practice abstinence has decided not to have sex. Abstinence can be practiced at any time. Abstinence is not limited to people who are virgins.

Why do some people choose abstinence?

Some people choose to abstain from sex to decrease their risk of becoming pregnant and contracting a sexually transmitted disease. Others choose to abstain from sex because of religious and moral beliefs. According to the CDC, the majority of abstinent teens surveyed in 2002 said their top reason for not having sex was because it was "against religion or morals".

Tips on how to stay abstinent

Avoid Dangerous Situations:

• Avoid being alone with a member of the opposite gender in any private, quiet place. Once you start making out, it's easy to want to go farther.
• Avoid sex parties, where the point is to have sex as many times in one night as possible.
• Avoid people who pressure you to have sex.

Avoid Drugs and Alcohol:

• Drugs and alcohol alter your mental state.
• Drugs and alcohol can cloud your judgment and your sense of right and wrong.

Be Active. Pursue Interests:

• Exercise. Start running, hiking, or swimming. Be active. Being active is helpful for both guys and gals. It will not only help you to be healthier and to feel better about yourself, it will get rid of a lot of extra energy.
• Pursue an Interest. Cooking, gardening, volunteering, traveling, and anything else that you have always wanted to do are also great ways to stay active,

Surround Yourself With Good Friends

• Develop friendships with people who like you for yourself, who enjoy the same things you do, and whose company you truly enjoy. Learn to be a good friend yourself.

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