HOW TO AVOID INTIMACY DISASTER IN RIGHT DATING

All right. Let's talk about getting physical during dating relationships. This is such a tricky subject, isn't it? Everybody has an opinion, from "don't even make eye contact" to "you can do anything but have sex

Simply put, God created sex to be pleasurable, that's why our bodies desire it and all the sensations that come with it. But sex was created to be enjoyed only in the context of marriage between a husband and wife. So the idea of avoiding all physical contact while dating is more of a preventative measure so that the couple isn't tempted to have sex before they're married.

1.    PRAY TOGETHER. Hopefully your boyfriend or girlfriend is a Christian (2 Corinthians 6:14-15) or is at least willing to support your faith. If that's the case, praying together before your dates is a great idea. Ask God to help keep your physical desires in check and to bless your conversations and relationship. 

2.    DON'T KISS ON THE COUCH. Or the bed. Or anywhere you might end up in a sexually-tempting position. That might seem kind of silly, but if you keep those doors shut, then you are less likely to go through them.

3.    BE OPEN WITH YOUR PARENTS. I know that sounds horrifying, but hear me out. If your parents have said you can date, then they're showing you that they trust you. By keeping them in the loop and allowing your parents to keep you accountable with curfews, physical intimacy, etc., then you're showing them that they made the right decision in trusting you.

4.    BE SEXUALLY PURE WHEN YOU'RE ALONE TOO. Watching porn or masturbating to relieve sexual tension is NOT going to be helpful in your relationship. In fact, it's more likely to be harmful. Whether or not you are dating, having a sexually-pure mind and body is still vitally important. 

5.    RUN AWAY. When things get too hot and heavy, call it a day or night or whatever and just put some physical distance between the two of you .1Corinth 6:18 says to "flee from sexual immorality." Say goodnight or "see you tomorrow" and get yourself into a cold shower.

God has promised that "no temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.