Renewed Abstinence = Self Respect

If you have already had sex, don't throw in the towel just yet! You CAN start over, and take a vow of renewed abstinence.

The first thing you have to do is make the decision to stop having sex.

The second thing is learn how to stick to your commitment.

"I decided to take a renewed vow of abstinence after my girlfriend and I had sex. We only did it because our friends were pressuring us and we wanted to prove our love for each other. We both felt like it was too much for us to deal with and we knew we weren't ready for the responsibility that goes with it. We have both made the pledge and I plan on keeping it until I am married. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I know that when I do have sex, I will be ready and it will be great."
— Garrett, 17

"I got gonorrhea from my first boyfriend. He just broke up with me and I am having a really hard time with it because I really cared about him. I have taken a vow of renewed abstinence and it helps me feel better about myself. I don't want to risk getting another STD, and I don't want to get sexually involved with someone that isn't going to commit to me for life. I want to wait until I find the one for me and I'm not going to waste it on anyone else."
— Shannon, 15

Here are some things to consider when deciding to make the vow of Renewed Abstinence.

It's all about SELF RESPECT!

S- Starting Over - You can start over with anything including renewing your decision to become abstinent.

E- Esteem - By having sex you are diminishing your self-esteem, but by making the choice to stop you renew your commitment to abstinence.

L- Love - You have to love yourself before you can love someone else and by choosing renewed abstinence, you are communicating to others that you love your body, heart, and sexuality.

F- Fulfillment - You can be fulfilled without having sex. Many people believe the myth that their emptiness can only be fulfilled by someone else (a.k.a. boyfriend, girlfriend), but the key to fulfillment is to love yourself and surround yourself with people who truly love you. Spend your time doing things you like to do.

R- Respect - Respect yourself, expect respect from others, and have a partner that respects your wishes and your right to say NO.

E- Establish - Establish your morals and beliefs. You show tremendous strength when you stick to what you believe in and to your personal plan.

S- Sex - Sex is your gender and love is your choice. You have the right to choose whom you love, so be cautious and don't be too quick to give your heart away.

P- Prevention Plan - Come up with your own personal prevention plan to keep yourself from having sex again and avoid those situations that might get you off course, such as drinking or taking drugs.

E- Emotions - Don't let your emotions get in the way of your goals and beliefs, and never feel that you have to have sex in order to be loved.

C- Communication - There is a difference between sex and love and you should talk about these with your friends and family. Communicate with those you date about your renewed commitment and make sure they support your decision.

T- Trust - You can experience true love through trust and understanding, but don't assume you can trust everyone because they may not share the same feelings you do.