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I told my boyfriend we should be pure and he got quiet and upset. He consented, but was irritated that I made the decision on my own. He's Christian too, but we've been fighting more lately. He's perfect though, and I don't want to lose him. What do I do?

Step number one is to ask God the same question you just asked me. Sometimes we're so busy running around and listening to music, watching the TV, talking to friends, and messing around on the computer that we never take time to sit still and pray. If we do not make time for that silence in our souls, we'll have a very difficult time hearing God speak to us. For starters, set a regular prayer time and stick to it. We can't expect to grow spiritually if we think that prayer times will just happen. My favorite place to pray is before the Blessed Sacrament at church. Wherever we choose to pray, we must be disciplined, and we will reap what we sow. When you begin to pray, invite the Holy Spirit to bless your prayer time. Spend some time reading the Bible, because the Lord often uses that to talk to our hearts. Also, ask our Lady to help you pray. If you do this, in time you will see where you should go with this relationship.

After all, you want a guy who will lead you spiritually, not a guy who will take from you sexually everything that you are willing to give him. Your boyfriend is not doing you an immeasurable favor by not having sex with you. It is his duty as a Christian man, and you owe him nothing for doing what he ought to do. If he is trying to make you feel guilty, then he's manipulating you. An authentically Christian man would trust the Lord instead of grabbing on to whatever he wants to make sure he gets it. God's will is our happiness, and if the Lord wants the two of you together, then waiting until you're married to live like you're married will not ruin this. If purity kills a relationship, then you can be sure that it was never built on love in the first place.

You implied that he was upset because you just made the decision to be pure, without consulting him. Well, you don't need a permission slip to care about yourself.

It should be a big warning sign to you that you have argued more since you told him of your decision for purity. He should be honored, not pouty. You did what was right, and if he is mad, so be it. It is better that he be mad than you lower your standards. Women today are so timid and afraid to hurt a guy's feelings that they often end up causing themselves immeasurable harm. Listen to you heart and follow your conscience.

You said that you don't want to break up with him because he is so perfect. But I ask you, is this your idea of a perfect guy? One who throws a tantrum because you won't sleep with him? One who gives you the silent treatment when you make a vow of purity? One who questions your decision to live by God's standards instead of his? Really pray about this. You want a man who will spiritually lead you, one who would challenge you to a higher standard if you wanted to sleep with him. Do not be afraid that love will pass you by if you leave this relationship. It just may open up the door for the kind of love you've wanted all long.