Sex and Dating
There are many pros and cons to dating, and it all depends on how you approach your relationships. If you feel that you are not ready or interested in having a committed relationship you may want to postpone dating until you feel that you are ready. There is no rush to start dating.
The decision to have sex is a very important one, and there are lots of things to think about. Sexual relationships affect your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Whether you are considering sexual activity, or you have already had sex, there are risks for pregnancy and STI's even when using birth control or condoms. The only sure way to avoid getting an STI or to prevent pregnancy is to not have sexual relations.
We all want to be happy in our relationships. When it comes to romantic or sexual relationships, many of us have lots of questions. Learning about what makes a relationship healthy and unhealthy can help you decide if your relationship is good for you or not. In every romantic relationship, we have responsibilities to ourselves and to our partners. It's also important to remember that relationships can be unhealthy and even unsafe. You don't have to stay in an unhealthy relationship!
Making an informed decision about relationships will help you do 3 things
It is possible to avoid the risks of sex without sacrificing the benefits of a romantic relationship. In fact, many people find that their enjoyment of dating relationships is increased when sex is placed off-limits or reserved for a permanent marriage relationship. Beyond freedom from worry concerning pregnancy and disease, there are other benefits. Some people find that their boyfriends or girlfriends show more interest in their personality and feelings, and that less emphasis is placed on their bodies. There is greater respect, greater confidence, and less pressure to prove commitment through physical contact.
Just because you have made a choice to have sex in the past, does not mean you have to continue that choice. It is NOT too late to rethink the choices that have been made and start again.