Decisions About Sexual Relationships Chapter 2 Lesson 2 Decisions About Sexual Relationships

You’ll learn to… Analyze the importance & benefits of abstinence from sexual activity in promoting emotional health & preventing pregnancy, STDs, and HIV / AIDS Evaluate ways to practice abstinence in a dating relationship. Demonstrate refusal strategies to reinforce the decision to remain abstinent.

Decisions About Sexual Relationships In a dating relationship, good communication is critical for setting limits regarding sexual involvement. (Bases? Meatloaf Paradise by the Dashboard Light Each person must make decisions about what he/she wants from the relationship & communicate those decisions effectively.

Decisions About Sexual Behavior It’s perfectly normal for young people to decide that they are not ready for a sexual relationship. Teens are making the choice to practice abstinence. Abstinence is a deliberate decision to avoid harmful behaviors, including sexual activity before marriage & the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

Practicing Abstinence Until Marriage Abstinence does not mean doing without intimacy or physical contact in a close, special friendship. Intimacy is a closeness between two people that develops over time. For example, a couple can hold hands, hug, kiss, and grow to know and understand each other.

Benefits of Abstinence Benefits to your physical, mental/emotional, and social health: Eliminates risks of contracting a sexually transmitted disease, including HIV / AIDS The only 100% effective method to avoid unplanned pregnancy Being sexually active goes against their personal values & those of their family Can allow a couple to build a deeper friendship

Benefits of Abstinence continued… Teens are not physically, mentally, emotionally, or financially ready for short-term & long-term consequences of engaging in sexual activity. In addition to the effects on physical & mental/emotional health, there are legal consequences. It is illegal for an adult to have sexual contact with anyone under the age of consent (varies state to state) In many states it’s illegal for unmarried minors to engage in sexual activity These negative effects can disrupt a teens life & interfere with his/her plan for the future.

Practicing Your Decision to Be Abstinent If you made a decision to abstain from sexual activity, a well thought-out plan of action will help you uphold that choice… Make a detailed list of your reasons for choosing abstinence. Discuss your feelings, your decisions, and your expectations of the relationship with you boy/girlfriend

Practicing Your Decision to Be Abstinent continued… 3. Place yourself in situations that reinforce your decision to be abstinent. When dating, for example, choose well-lit places that encourage conversation, or date in groups. 4. Plan your time together—where you will go, how long you will stay, & what time you will go home.

Using Refusal Skills As you mature, you will assume more and more responsibility for your actions. You always try and make the best possible decisions for your health, safety, and well-being. You may feel pressured to make risky decisions that go against your values. In these situations you will need to stand up for yourself and firmly say no. Practicing refusal skills will help you uphold your intentions and values.

Refusal Skills Communication strategies that help you say no effectively. When resisting pressure, simply say NO, without feeling that you need to justify yourself. Repeat yourself, if necessary. Be polite but keep your tone firm. Do not insult or yell, but use a firm tone of voice and direct eye contact.

Refusal Skills continued… If possible, suggest an alternative activity that is acceptable to you. Do not compromise when you feel strongly about something. Compromise can be a passive way of saying yes. Avoid use of alcohol & other drugs. The use of these impairs your judgment & your ability to make healthy decisions. If the other person persists & continues to pressure you, leave. Go someplace where you feel safe & comfortable.

Lesson 2 Review Questions Define abstinence. Analyze the importance & benefits of abstinence in promoting emotional health & the prevention of pregnancy, STDs, and HIV/AIDS. List four reasons to practice abstinence from sexual activity. Describe & demonstrate with examples three refusal strategies you can take to reinforce a decision to remain abstinent.

Lesson 2 Review Questions continued… What would you say to a friend who says that he/she will make a decision about sexual activity when faced with the problem, not before? Explain your reasoning. Engaging in physical activity before marriage can have physical, mental/emotional, and legal consequences. Provide two examples of each of these types of consequences.

When Relationships Change Activity… Introduction- Relationships do not remain static. As a couple gets to know one another, new feelings, ideas and issues can evolve and develop. This lesson encourages students to consider how relationships progress from the first meeting, through dating and eventually, if a couple chooses sexual activity.

When Relationships Change Activity… There is no set time or age to start dating, fall in love or begin sexual activity and students will have differing opinions about this based on their personal values and/or culture and religious backgrounds.

Important Qualities in an Intimate Relationship Show that you care for the other person. Have a sense of humor. Communicate! Do meaningful things together. Maintain relationships with other people. Understand your partner’s decisions. Need to tolerate each other’s weaker moments. Accept each other’s style. Sexual fulfillment.