Sexual Pressure: A survival guide for guys
A road map to sexual purity

Now that you have discovered that sexual purity is the right path for you, what can you do to succeed? We have provided you a checklist to ensure that your journey is a fun and fulfilling one…

Do you know why you want to wait? Consider your reasons for waiting. Be as clear with yourself as possible so that you may be clear with others.
• Do you want to wait until you are married? Why? (Perhaps write a list of the top reasons)
• Do you worry about HIV/AIDS or other STDs?
• Do you want the first time to be special?
• Do you want to bypass the risk of pregnancy?

These are just a few of the many good reasons for waiting. Even if you have had sex, you can say “no” now!

Are you the Real Deal or just a stereotype? Real men have sex and have it often. Right? WRONG!!! Advertisements, television, music and movies make it seem like guys are having sex all the time, and if you are not having sex, you’re not a man. Don’t buy into it! They are simply marketing to you; trying to sell you products, not help you make good decisions.

Don’t confuse sexual activity with masculinity. You can be good looking, strong and popular without having sex!

Feeling pressured from friends? Do you feel like you have to be sexual in order to look good in the eyes of your friends? Maybe you are getting pressure from a coach, a brother, even your own father. Some guys think that it is macho to brag about sex, and their “sexual conquests.” Chances are that they are bragging so that you will look-up to them, and they are simply hiding their own fear and doubt.

What can you do?
• Talk about reasons for waiting until marriage
• Change the subject
• Walk away

Hang out with people who respect your choice to make good decisions and stay away from those who don’t!

Do you feel as though you’re going to explode? It is normal to have sexual feelings, but you don’t have to act on them.

Decide beforehand how far you’re willing to go and stick to it. If you think you are going to loose control of your urges, why don’t you try:
• Taking a cold shower
• Going for a walk
• Going home
• Going to a public place
• Finding other healthy, safe outlets

But what ever you decide to do, make sure to always physically remove yourself from the temptation! In simpler terms, run like Forest Gump if you are in a sexually compromising situation…trust me, you’ll thank us for it!

Is the relationship truly worth it? Is your partner acting too pushy? Think you’ll be dumped if you don’t make a move? Make sure your partner knows you value the relationship. Be certain to tell her something like, “I’d really like to know you better before we go any further,” or “I think you’re great, but I know that I’m not ready for sex yet.”

Be honest and display your confidence! Chances are, your partner will like and respect you even more…and if she doesn’t, it might just be time to move on.

Do you show her how much you value her in other ways? Men are often taught to show affection primarily through sex, but there are many other ways to be close and show how much you care to your partner.

Talk about each other’s lives, hold hands, and hug. Talk with your partner about the sexual pressures you both feel and construct ways to handle. Are you in this relationship because your girlfriend is your best friend, or simply because she has a hot body? Remember that if you cannot connect with your girlfriend without having sex with her, perhaps you do not truly value her for who she truly is.

Are you The Man With The Plan?
BUT BEWARE! It is unwise to discuss sexual desires in-depth with your partner, especially if you are alone and in a situation that could lead to sex. Save those talks for a close friend of the same sex. If you are too specific with your partner, you both might be awakening desires within each other that will be hard to quench.

Bottom-line: Be vague about your desire but specific about the pressure and the plan!

It is OK for men to say NO to SEX! Men receive a lot of pressure to have sex! However, pregnancy, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases are just a few of the reasons to wait. Do not let other people and their lack of concern for the risks involved from having sex change your decision to wait until you’re married!