Abstinence

Abstinence:
What are Your Reasons for Having Sex?

It’s no big deal…everybody’s doing it
Having sex is personal
There is no rush
You could get sick
You could have a child
Just because you started having sex doesn’t mean you can’t stop
It’s Okay to Wait

It’s no big deal…everybody’s doing it
Curiosity and having questions are normal. This curiosity is probably exaggerated by the fact that there are so many references to sex on television, radio and the Internet. Advertisements, songs and clothing all promote sex in many ways. One thing that you should be aware of is sex is not glamorous. Sexy people that you see on television, in ads and on the Internet have make-up artists, stylists and special lighting to make them look fabulous and like they are having the time of their lives. They want you to want to be them, so you aren’t supposed to see their flaws, pimples and sweat stains. In advertising "sex sells" is a known motto. It means if you can get people to believe they are sexy (popular) when using this product or participating in certain events they will buy it. Your decision to have sex really shouldn’t be influenced by what you see or hear. In reality, sex can be awkward and may not be romantic.
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Having sex is personal
When you choose a mate it should be someone that you can trust to be respectful to you and who is concerned about your well-being. Remember whatever you do might be discussed with others if you choose the wrong person. This information could lead to unwanted attention from others who feel you will have sex with them as well. You should only have sex when you are ready.
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There is no rush
Sex should be an act between mature people who are prepared and agree on what they are doing. If you aren’t ready there is no need to jump in. Sometimes you could regret the experience if it didn’t turn out the way you expected.
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You could get sick
There are many sexually transmitted diseases and HIV can be spread through sex. Fifty percent of all new cases of HIV are found in people less than 25 years old. Also, more than sixty percent of all new cases of HIV in women are found in Black women. The risks of getting an STD are really high and it’s a lot easier to get infected if you are inexperienced and with someone you don’t know. People with disease don’t look sick and usually don’t know they are sick.
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You could have a child
What are you going to do with a baby? Let’s pretend you don’t have any family to help you. Do you get to hang with your friends, now anytime that you want? Do you have enough money now to get all the fresh gear that you like? Do you have enough time to prepare for schoolwork? Do you get to go to all the parties that your friends throw? Does it make you angry when you have to baby-sit your little brother/sister when you want to hang out? Does it make you angry when your brother/sister/parent interrupts you when you are on the phone? Well if you answered yes to any of these questions, why would you make a baby who you were responsible for 24 hours a day, seven days a week? And, to the fellas, the government is cracking down on men who don’t pay for the support of their kids. So even if you don’t like their mamas or you just hit it once, you gotta pay!
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Just because you started having sex doesn’t mean you can’t stop
If sex is not what you expected or you are not receiving the treatment you deserve, it’s okay to stop having sex. Your partner may not like it, but it’s how you feel about yourself that is important. If you think it’s better to have sex and keep your partner than it is to be alone and comfortable with your decisions, you are setting yourself up to be mistreated. That won’t make you happy.
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It’s Okay to Wait
There is no set moment in time when sex should begin. It’s different for every person and some people are ready sooner than others. You don’t ever have to have sex if you don’t want to. Waiting until you are an adult and in a long term relationship isn’t being old fashioned and it’s safer than risking your life and happiness with someone you barely know.
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