Grade 8 Topic 6Grade 8 Topic 6

AbstinenceAbstinence

What does What does abstinence mean?abstinence mean?

How do people How do people experience intimacy in a experience intimacy in a

non-physical way?non-physical way?

How do people show How do people show intimacy in a physical intimacy in a physical

way?way?

Why be abstinent?Why be abstinent?

What are the advantages of abstinence?

Freedom from…• Pregnancy• Sexually transmitted infections• Bother and side effects of birth control• The pressure to marry before you are ready• Abortion decision• Adoption issue• Being used• Guilt, doubt, disappointment, worry, rejection• Loss of reputation• Ruining your future

What are the advantages of abstinence?

Freedom to…• Develop friendships• Enjoy being a teenager• Be in control of your life• Focus energy on establishing and realizing life goals• Experience fuller communication in dating relationships• Develop respect for self• Develop unselfish sensitivity to others• Resist temptation• Understand sex• Plan your future

How do I resist the How do I resist the pressure?pressure?

RefuseRefuseDelayDelayNegotiateNegotiate

• REFUSE

Say “NO” clearly and repeatedly to eliminate any uncertainty and confusion

Sounds like:No, thank you.

No. I understand what you are saying, but I can’t agree with it.

No, no, no and I really mean no!

• DELAY

Put off making a decision until you have more time to think about what to do.

Sounds like:I’m not ready.

Maybe there’s a better time to talk about this.

Not now.

Let’s see how we feel about this in a week.

• NEGOTIATE

Come to a decision that is accepted by both.

Sounds like:Let’s do _____ instead.

How about we try _______ ?

What is there that will make us both happy?

Let’s Practice…Let’s Practice…

You have chosen to remain abstinent.

List as many reasons as you can why you made this choice.

You have met someone you think you love, but know you don’t want to have sex yet.

List other ways to show affection.

List as many ways as you can to refuse sexual advances

from a partner you care about but do not want to hurt his/her

feelings.

You’ve been involved in a relationship for a while and you’ve started touching.

How and when do you discuss your sexual limits?

You’re at a party where people are starting to pair off. You

are feeling uncomfortable and know you don’t want to do this.

How would you handle it?

How would you respond to your best friend or partner’s

pressure for you to experience sexual intercourse?