#37. Abstinence

This Conversation Will Help You…

1. Know what counts as abstinent for them & for their partner
2. Express reasons why abstinence is important to someone
3. Name strategies that can help in keeping abstinent

Think About This First

•  Abstinence is a valid choice for anyone, and is chosen for many different reasons. This conversation gives the opportunity to talk about things that aren't always covered in discussions about abstinence.

Having the Conversation

Start Here:

If you think of the word “abstinent” what does it mean to you?

Do you think definitions would be different for different people?

Why would that be?

What could you do to make sure you are on the same page about what abstinent means to you and to a partner?

Continue:

Can you still be intimate with a partner when you’re abstinent?

What are reasons why someone would want to be abstinent?

How would someone’s personal values affect this decision?

Is abstinence mostly a religious decision?

What are some other reasons why someone might choose to be abstinent or not have sex? Health reasons, emotional reasons, what else?

What are some reasons why abstinence is important?

Keep Talking:

What are some ways that someone could keep themselves abstinent if they wanted to be?

How does communication fit into this?

What are other strategies you can think of? Here is what I think...