In honor of National STD Awareness Month & my friends at Bloggers Unite I'm reposting this post from June 09. Though not motivated by a desire to reduce STDs*, following the wisdom in this post does an outstanding job of it.
Rare treasures are valued worldwide.
Diamonds are really just pretty rocks that come out of the ground. They are prized more than other equally stunning rocks because they are incredibly scarce.
Elite athletes do a great deal less for society than teachers, but they are celebrated because they possess a talent far more uncommon (but not more valuable) than the ability to teach a child to read.
Growing a life inside a woman's body is infinitely more miraculous than making millions of dollars, but the millionaire garners great attention because she's uncommon and her wealth gives her access to even more rare things.
We love limited works of art, one of a kind items and special moments that only we get to enjoy. Rare things and experiences make us feel special and privileged.
When it comes to relationships, I am continuously baffled by people who forget this. They jump into bed with a new interest on Friday, think they're in love on Monday and start dreaming of a lifetime together only to find themselves sitting at home Thursday wondering why the person isn't calling anymore.
Much of society has rebelled against or done away with religious and gender based admonitions against premarital and/or promiscuous sex. There is a sense that prohibitions against commitment free sex are baseless rules aimed at controlling people and dominating women. The reason to refrain from casual sex isn't religious or moral righteousness.
Having casual sex dramatically diminishes the likelihood of a long term monogamous relationship.
People want a love they can cherish, count on and feel special about. Having sex before a solid relationship develops is no more special than mating farm animals. It sends a message: "This isn't a big deal to me, I do this with everyone I like."
Some people will partake and enjoy causal sexual relationships, but when it comes time to picking a life partner the easy mark won't be in the running. They'll search for the one who refuses to engage in such important behavior without a serious relationship (and a discussion of past sexual behaviors along with a clean bill of sexual health from your respective doctors).
They'll go for the rare find.
*Parents – Pass this on!
- Half of new STD infections occur among young people ages 15 to 24 even though this age group makes up 25% of the sexually active population.
*My fellow African Americans, we need to talk, this is ridiculous:
- African Americans account for approximately half of all reported chlamydia and syphilis cases and almost three-quarters of all reported gonorrhea cases even though they represent just 14 percent of the U.S. population.
Photo credit: Swamibu
It is refreshing to see someone speak of sexuality in such gracious and honorable terms. At least where entertainment is concerned there is a degenerative element that views sex as something no different than having to use the bathroom or feeling thirsty.
It is just one other bodily need that must be addressed as soon as you have that inkling . I agree that a moral code has nothing to do with whether someone is religious. It is just about living your life in a way that truly benefits and uplifts others as well as self.
Thank you.
Jean – You articulate the idea so well. Thank you.