Benefits of Abstinence Coping with Pressures

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Benefits of AbstinenceCoping with Pressures
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Intimacy

• Sexual intimacy- sharing sexual feelings and
  sexual contact.
• Emotional intimacy- sharing thoughts and
  feelings, caring for and respecting others, and
  learning to trust each other.
• Teen relationships should focus on emotional
  intimacy, not sexual intimacy.

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Abstinence

• It is the conscious decision not to participate
  in sexual activity and the skills to support that
  decision.
• For teens who have not been sexual active,
  abstinence means waiting until marriage to begin
  sexual active.

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Health Benefits of Abstinence

• No risk of becoming pregnant or being infected
  with an STD.
• Some STDs have serious consequences such as
  cancer and the inability to have children later
  in life.

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Social Benefits of Abstinence

• The freedom to pursue a variety of friendships
• Less complicated relationships
• The chance to learn to build strong, lasting
  relationships based on mutual trust and respect.
• Better reputation among peers

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Emotional Benefits of Abstinence

• Being free of worry and stress regarding STDs
  and pregnancy.
• Allowing time to develop the maturity needed to
  make important decisions.
• Having an increased sense of self-control and
  self-respect

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Other Benefits of Abstinence

• Teens can focus more on school and on
  accomplishing long-term personal, family and
  career goals.

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Coping with Pressures
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Pressures to Be Sexually Active

• Internal pressures- an impulse a person feels to
  engage in a behavior.
• Comes from within oneself
• Comes from a desire for emotional intimacy
• Being sexually active as a teen can actually
  complicate your life and create distance in your
  relationship.

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Pressures to Be Sexually Active

• External pressures- pressure a person feels from
  another person/group to engage in a behavior.
• Boyfriend/girlfriend pressure
• Media
• Peers

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Avoiding Pressure Situations

• Identify situations that could lead to sexual
  activity. (being alone on a date)
• Avoid drinking or taking illegal drugs. (impairs
  your judgement)
• Look for dating partners that share your values
  about abstinence.

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5 tips to help maintain self control

• Set limits for expressing affection
• Communicate with your partner
• Talk with a trusted adult
• Seek low pressure dating situations
• Date someone who respects you and has similar
  values