While many may argue on various notions such as “you don’t buy a car without testing it” – it’s saddening that humans have been reduced to mere objects of fancy – or even the opinion that “having sex before marriage helps the couple to determine better compatibility” – forgetting that a person may likely sleep with over 100 people, of various shapes, sizes, and even diseases, before s/he settles for ‘the one’ - however hard it may seem, whether the couple has had sex or not, keeping the courtship aspect a strictly no-sex partnership has many benefits and can actually help the couple become stronger.

Keeping a relationship without sex, be it through sexting (having sex through chats) or the real physical activity, helps the couple with fidelity issues and even increases companionship, especially as it relates to ensuring that one is in control when the partner is away for a long period, in times of sickness, or even old age.

A few ways to keep the romance alive, without resorting to sex include:

1. Set clear boundaries, build trust

The couple should agree on just how far they are willing to go and commit themselves to the agreement. 

What is important is to ensure that you can both determine how much control you have over the relationship. You could go as far as agreeing never to spend late hours at a partner’s place. It all depends on how much you trust your level of control.

George Martin and Scott Myers of Summit Ministries note that “If two people do not cherish sex enough to wait for a marriage commitment, how can they trust one another for fidelity? Conversely, a man and woman build trust and respect for one another when they both survive the struggles of self-control — each will have the confidence that the other respects them, and cherishes their intimacy.”

2. Work on your communication

While some people may advocate staying apart or showing affection only in public places, it shouldn’t rule out spending private quality time together. With the state of the economy and the many weird things reported in the news daily, there are a million and one things to talk and laugh about. Simply bask in the comfort the partner’s presence presents and stay in charge. After all, many people have sex without necessarily being love, so why can’t one be in love without having sex.

3. Indulge in more surprises

Surprising your significant other is a sure-fire way to show them just how much you appreciate the gift of their love. Surprises do not have to cost a fortune. It could even be as little as buying a book or a movie or even getting tickets to a show. It’s the small things that matter.

4 Enjoy the mystery

Nobody ever said sex was a ticket to living forever so it can as well be done without. As long as the relationship hasn’t translated into marriage, sex can be comfortably kept out of the question, but it is absolutely important that the couple is in agreement. Having great sex before marriage is rarely a guarantee that the marriage will be a bed of roses. What happens if there is a big break between the couple as a result of distance or health challenges?

5. Share hobbies

From taking a walk to reading or even watching a game together, sharing hobbies helps to improve interest in your partner’s likes, which will in turn make the relationship better. It also helps to distract from sexual activities, and instead improves real connection.

6. Create a time-out

No matter how close you are, or if you feel the need to be with each other every second of each day, taking time out for the individual helps you to maintain focus and not drain the life out of the union. Too much closeness may result in sex.

Remember diseases, single parenthood

No matter how careful a person is when it comes to taking sexual precautions, nothing beats total abstinence. Many baby mamas may not say it, but being a single parent is very hard, whether planned or not. Nothing beats the joy of raising a child as a family. Besides, the relationship may not work out.

There is no time like the present. Keeping sexual activity out of relationships is very possible, whether it has taken place or is in consideration. As they say, “better late than never.” -Tribune

Am sure we have all benefited from this article that encourages sexual abstinence amongst the unmarried.