Waiting…..it’s not something we’re typically good at. In fact, most of us hate waiting. Construction on the freeway, the super long grocery lane, even the “fast food” places have waiting! Have you ever left something or somewhere just because you’re sick of waiting?

Occasionally our time is more valuable than the object so we leave it, thinking we’ll take care of it later or another day perhaps. Hypothetically, lets just say that that special something was your virginity. Some of us still have ours perfectly intact while others of us have walked away and said goodbye a long time ago. Since then we haven’t been much good at the waiting game. However, deep down we know that waiting is a better option. Maybe we are jealous of those who can wait so effortlessly. While we just shake our fists at the air wondering why things aren’t going our way.

Perhaps you’ve been there. You need to know something. A lot of people are choosing the tougher thing to do and are making the switch from shaking fists to waiting patiently. (Congrats to those who are the patient waiters!)  You see, if marriage is in your plans than you can pretty much bet that there is some amazingly wonderful person out there for you. When you look at them on your wedding night you probably don’t want to have flashbacks of former sexual relations. You also hope that they thought highly enough of you that they chose to wait until they found you before they gave away that special something.

When it comes to the world of sex and relationships things can get a little bit fuzzy. You lose track of time and what’s really important in life. You just get lost in the feelings. No matter how you feel or what you walked away from or into, you need to know that there is always a way out. You are not alone. Did you hear me? You are not alone! Oh and guess what? You are worth waiting for!

So, how do we make the switch or even just live out the waiting? Well first you need to believe that it’s possible. You need to tell somebody. Someone you trust. They will be your backup in times of weakness. (We all have them.) Thirdly, you need to have a reminder or keepsake of some sort. (Post-it notes are handy!) Boundaries are huge! If you don’t have them, chances are you probably are going to cross over the yellow caution tape and get burned. Make sure you have them firmly intact. (See chart below for physical intimacy levels.) Fifth, clearly communicate these boundaries with anyone you date! Sixth, dress honestly. (Don’t advertise what you aren’t selling.) Seventh, STAY AWAY from drugs or alcohol! (You are no longer you and aliens have officially taken over your body!) And lastly, focus on the friendship side of the relationship not only physical stuff. If you follow these 8 basic principles then you will have a much better chance at making the switch more successfully.

Levels of Physical Intimacy

Being Together >> Holding Hands >> Simple Kiss >> Prolonged Kiss >> French Kiss >> Sexual Stimulation >> Sexual Intercourse

Keep in mind that each of these levels is easier to get to once you have completed the previous level. You’ll want to set your boundary as far away from the danger zone as possible. It’s called the danger zone because these are the areas where STD’s can begin transmission under certain circumstances and hormones start to rise at this point, making it more difficult to back out.

Consider yourself warned! You have it in you to wait! Believe and act on that belief and you will succeed! You are worth waiting for!