How to Practice Abstinence

People choose to practice abstinence for both personal and religious reasons. Regardless of the motivation, it is a challenging and often fulfilling goal to accomplish. Be true to yourself about your choice and you will be happy with yourself no matter what happens.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Decide to practice abstinence before putting yourself in situations where sex may be a temptation. It's best to make this decision when you have a clear mind and are not influenced by any other people or drugs or alcohol. Make a list of your reasons for wanting to practice abstinence so that you will always be able to remind yourself if presented with temptations.
2. Avoid spending time in places or situations where peer pressure may exist to have sex. If you're dating someone, try not to be alone with her at home or in secluded locations where it could be difficult to resist. Try not to hang around people who might try to convince you not to practice abstinence or who don't respect your beliefs, as these people are not likely to be good friends anyway.
3. Stay clear headed by remaining sober and not drinking alcohol or using recreational drugs. These substances can impair your judgment and may influence you to make a decision you will later regret. The commitment to practice abstinence requires that your mind be at its full capacity in order to override your bodily urges.
4. Be strong and emphatic when saying no to sex. You may need to be forceful about your decision to practice abstinence when explaining it to others, as they may try to convince you to waiver. Being clear and upfront about your beliefs will help you persuade yourself and others that you have made the right decision.
5. Research sexually transmitted diseases to understand their consequences. Knowing that some of these infections, such as HIV, have no available cure may help remind you that abstinence is an important practice to maintain. It's also helpful to know what contraceptive methods are available should you ever need to use them or advise someone else about them in the future.

Tips & Warnings

• Abstinence is the only guaranteed way to prevent pregnancy and to be safe from infection by sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV.
• Going into a situation with a well thought out plan for remaining abstinent is the best way to ensure you will be successful.