How can you refuse?

Saying NO!

It may not always be easy to say no, so be prepared. One of the most difficult parts of choosing to be sexually abstinent until marriage is learning how to deal with pressure.

The pressure is on, what are you going to do?
Read below to learn great responses to some tough situations you may encounter. It’s your choice, what’s your response?

• I love you.
   o Then show me by respecting my choice to remain abstinent
   o Great, then you will wait, too!
   o Then waiting until I’m ready won’t make a difference.

• Everybody’s doing it.
   o I’m not everybody.
   o Then you shouldn’t have any problem finding someone else.

• Sex isn’t a big deal!
   o Great, then I’m not missing out on anything!
   o Then, what’s the rush?
   o It should be, your life could depend on it.

• If you really loved me, you’d prove it.
   o Sex doesn’t prove anything other than our hormones are working.
   o We can show love in a lot of other ways.
   o If you loved me, you wouldn’t pressure me.

• I’ll break up with you if you don’t do what I want!
   o Not if I beat you to it!
   o Do us both a favor.
   o Go ahead, I would rather spend time with someone who respects my choices.

Ways you can avoid pressure to have sex.
   • Spend time with friends who also think it is okay to remain sexually abstinent.
   • Go out with a group of friends.
   • Have your friends over to your house when a parent or guardian is home.
   • Carry a cell phone or money for a pay phone and call a parent or friend if
      you need to get away from a bad situation.
   • Don’t feel like you owe someone sex in return for a night out or a gift.
   • Stay away from drugs and alcohol, which can make it difficult to think clearly.

The choices you make today affect the choices you have tomorrow. Educating yourself on effective ways to let someone know you’re not ready for sex is the best way to keep your future clear.