“Food is like sex: When you abstain, even the worst stuff begins to look good.” -Beth McCollister
The articles I post are my original versions. Below there is link to the Student Printz online issue.
Pillow Talk: Chastity is a choice not a virtue
Chastity Doesn’t Mean Chase It
By Glory Fink
So you’re abstaining from sex. Why? Is it because your Mom or Dad told you to. Maybe you signed a social contract swearing to remain a virgin until marriage. Or perhaps you have a more personal and complex reason. Have you thought through this major life decision or are you merely reacting to pressure from social, familial or religious sources?
There are many good reasons to abstain from sex and probably just as many to not abstain but none of those reasons matter if they aren’t your reasons.
Sexual abstinence refers to the voluntary restraint from some or all aspects of sex. Some people think you are still abstaining or remaining celibate even after kissing or minor making out sessions while many people consider abstinence to mean a no tolerance policy towards intimate touching and even cuddling.
There are as many reasons to abstain from sex as there are people on this earth. Some of the more common and obvious ones include religion, social and health related. The virtue of chastity, as in the chastity belt, is a philosophical ideal. Many societies at one point or another have even created laws to do more than just encourage their citizens to refrain from sex.
However, chastity seems to be a virtue women are more often expected to practice. I’m sure someone from the religion and philosophy department can explain to us why men are not called to practice chastity as much as women.
Most major religions encourage unmarried members to remain celibate until marriage. Many people in the medical community encourage abstention to prevent unwanted pregnancies and the spread of many STDs. Complete abstention from sex is the only 100 percent effective way to prevent pregnancy.
Although, I hear there was once a teenager who swore she was a virgin but became pregnant after a spiritual experience. Theologians and scientists are still studying the matter. But I do know you aren’t her so your unplanned pregnancy would most likely be derived from an unplanned rendezvous rather than a religious experience.
No matter the reasons to or not to abstain do a little soul searching and make sure your reasons are positive and healthy. Fear of sex, emotional intimacy or even prior sexual assault experiences are valid concerns but you should have them addressed by a professional who can help you heal and view sexuality as a healthy and normal part of your personality.
Choosing to abstain from sex for health reasons or to save your virginity for marriage can be a positive choice in your life but you probably will face some criticism for that choice during your college career.
Be proactive and think through ways to handle other’s negative opinions and potentially difficult social situations before they happen. Practicing several different ways to explain your celibacy to that new gal or guy you’re dating will make the inevitable encounter less awkward and more likely to ensure a positive outcome than just winging it.
Don’t expect everyone to get excited and gushy about your commitment to celibacy. But warning flags should go up if someone is strongly against your decision and vehemently tells you so every chance they get. Remember, it’s your body. No one else has to live with your regrets. You’re in charge of your own sexual destiny.
Your feedback is always appreciated. Email us at printz @usm. edu or Glory directly at glory @askglory. com.
(Email addresses contain extra spaces to avoid spambots. Hmmm, spambots…delicious with pineapple. Spambots won’t ever go bad and you can use them as currency in small Asian countries. Spambots, they taste almost as good as fido. Ok, I’m going to stop this train wreck. No more Spam jokes.
Autoerotic!
Open can, insert member.
Wham, bam, thank you SPAM!
Ok seriously, that’s it!)
