Love is not sex; not dependent on it, not a result of it, not a reason for it.
Sex is not love; not defined by it, not necessary for it, not required to achieve it.
So when did we start letting "having sex" and "making love" become equal terms?
Yes! We let this happen. We allowed it. We even encouraged it.
We are now raised in the knowledge that an increasing number of teens and even preteens are engaging in sex. We are appalled and disgusted, but have grown to accept this as a fact. Our own children and children that we know are surprising us if they are abstaining from sex, remaining virgins.
We have turned a blind eye to how an act that used to be emotional and dependent on marriage is somehow a response to peer pressure, a pathway to love or just a pastime or hobby.
I recently got a puppy and because of his breed was required by law to take him to a behavior class. We gave gone through sit and lay; through down and follow me. However, the most valuable lesson so far is "wait!"
Leaving the house, say "wait" so the dog has to let you out first. Say "wait" so the dog doesn't try to grab the food dish out of your hand before you can put it down and back away. Say "wait" when you are moving through rooms or answering the door. And then he gets an enthusiastic "good boy" and a tasty puppy treat.
How much time and effort we take to teach our dog how to wait and then gain a reward. Why can't we teach our children the same?
Next time you know of a young person facing the confusion of sex and love...facing a choice of acceptance or being ostracized, tell them "wait."
The reward will come.
