ns ahead of time. If these people had listened to the advice that was given, there would be no cause for alarm. The only absolute guarantee against unwanted pregnancies and diseases is abstinence. I believe that there comes a point in almost every young adult’s life when he feels he has fallen in love. Along with those feelings of love comes an almost overwhelming desire for physical closeness. However, he must be careful to not confuse feelings of lust with feelings of love. Although two people may feel they are ready and willing to accept the responsibilities this act entails, they must also consider the problems it can cause. A "no" to sexual activity can also be a "yes" to deeper communication and mutual appreciation. Human nature is such that sexual activity is intimately linked to one's emotional and psychological state. The ability to control one's sexual urges is part of human nature and also an important distinction between humans and animals. The practice of abstinence enables couples to exercise fidelity within a relationship. Many find that sexual activity is best when accompanied by the deep commitment of marriage and openness to the possibility of children. In the 1960s and 1970s, the small numbers of cohabiting couples in America could be fairly described as "anti-marriage". They were deliberately seeking an alternative to traditional marriage, an institution they viewed as "repressive". Today, however, many cohabiting couples have a different outlook. Rather than "anti-marriage," I feel it is more accurate to say that many of these couples are "anti-divorce". Premarital sex is one of the many criteria by which to judge whether a couple is compatible enough to withstand the rigors of the total commitment of marriage. They believe it is more feasible to look upon premarital sex and cohabitation as a "trial marriage" that will protect individuals from entering into a marriage that will en...
