We've all heard the saying, "Good choices have good consequences and bad choices have bad consequences." But seldom do we stop to think about the rippling effects these choices have on our lives.
                   
A woman told me she dated a wonderful guy named Scott all through high school and into college. She was convinced she would take his name someday and be his wife. Despite their intense sexual desires, they were both committed to sexual abstinence until marriage.
 
As she continued with her story, she laughed and said, "You know, I did take Scott's last name and to this day he's one of my best friends, but he isn't my husband. He's my brother-in-law. That's right, I married Scott's brother."
 
"The great thing is," she continued, "my husband and Scott are not only brothers, they are best friends. Our families go on vacations and do things together all the time. But I can't imagine that being the case if Scott and I had shared a hot and heavy sexual relationship while we were dating. The commitment we made to sexual abstinence until marriage years ago gives us freedom to be the best of friends today."
 
Now compare the freedom she has experienced to another story. A man told me he has never returned to his high school or college reunions. He said, "I just can't face the girls of my past. I knew I was using them back then, and they know it now. Besides there is no way I would introduce my wife to those women. She knows about my past, but I'm not about to let her put names and faces together. That could only bring trouble." 

 

 

If you really think sex is no big deal, consider the following true story.
 
A high school football player had been in a serious relationship with his first and only love. She was also the only girl he had ever had sex with, and he was already having thoughts of marrying her someday. But then he found out she had sex with several of his teammates. He was going out of his mind at the thought of other guys touching her body and having sex with her. 
 
As a family discuss the following questions as you determine if sex is a big deal.
                                                            
1. Would this young man be as upset if his girlfriend had simply talked to his teammates instead of having sex with them?

2. Would he have been this upset if she had eaten lunch with the teammates?
3. How would he have felt if she had danced with the other guys?

4. Does dancing together compare to having sex with them?
5. How long will it take for him to get over this pain?
6. What long-term effects might this have on this young man?
7. Is sex a big deal?
 

The preceding was taken from Teens Sex and Choices written by Marilyn Morris