Set Fire To The Rain

Deo Gratias

Set Fire To The Rain

Deo Gratias

Some effects of petting

 Boys and girls should know what their sex experimentation is all about. A kiss for example, can express friendship and companionship and a general appreciation of other aspects of a relationship. What does petting express besides self-gratification? If a couple really care for each other, they should be bringing more to sex than mere pleasure. Outside of marriage, this is not possible, and sensible couples will not get involved in anything that will endanger emotional and intellectual growth in other spheres of their lives.            

The sex pleasure obtained from petting by mutual consent may satisfy a young couple for a while, but it may have the disadvantage of blocking any further interest in each other as persons. Such a relationship tends to become restricted; for the couple may have nothing else in common but the pleasure obtained from the exploitation of each other’s body.            

Many people who have talked over these problems with counsellors have admitted that other problems follow in the wake of petting. Social evenings, for example, become battles for control, and the light-hearted enjoyment of former times turns to tension and conflict. Often there is an over-all feeling of frustration, even disgust, with themselves and with sex in general. On the other hand, when sex is kept in an important place but in control, it is forming the attitudes and habits towards self and the opposite sex that will be carried on into later life.            

Once it is understood that sexual expression alone is not the most desirable goal in life, and that much more is needed to achieve satisfaction, it becomes obvious that it is sensible to sacrifice one kind of temporary satisfaction in order to realize a better set of values. Youth, for example, needs the respect of others, the ability to work in with others, particularly with friends and parents, and, most important of all, it needs self-respect.           

 Moreover, we do have stronger desires than the desire of sex satisfaction. We desire to be needed, for example; we desire to love and be loved. These desire do not manifest themselves as urgently as the sex desire sometime does, it is true, and so they often pass unnoticed.            Those who constantly indulge their sexual desires before marriage risk losing the ability to achieve these goals. They tend particularly to lose their self-respect. Such people often “protest too much” in trying to rationalise their behaviour, and, because of the dominance of their sexual desire, they have a sense of enslavement which may have far-reaching effects on their whole lives. Petting provides “instant pleasure”, but the easy way is not always the best way.            It must not be thought, however, that young people, drawn to each other in the normal “youth to youth since the world began” manner, ought to have a relationship lacking in warmth and affection. But if there is a true mutual appreciation, there will be concern and thoughtfulness in their relationship, and not a “using” of each other for self-gratification. In other words, the couple will treat each other as persons, and their attitude to each other will reflect their own attitude towards life in general.            

In sex matters, this means that those who are attracted to one another want a relationship that is based on much more than physical enjoyment. They want the good of the other person, they want the respect of those who already love and are responsible for that person, and they want to develop their own ability to know such a person. Thus, they prepare themselves for true love that may be yet to come.            

The giving-in to the desire for quick and easy sex pleasure is a stumbling-block to such developments. Sex pleasure becomes an end in itself. When sex demands are not made, however, couples learn to talk and listen to each other and get to know each other as persons. This gradually establishes a companionship basis that will provide a valuable contribution to their happiness in marriage, if the attraction proves to be a lasting one. If it does not, they will still have taken a valuable step towards maturity.

Petting and the sexual progression

Part of the behavior pattern of the youth of today is the practice known as petting. Popular, even widespread, among the young, petting is a trifling with sex that is harmful in its effects; but, because they consider it from a short-range rather than a long-range point of view, young people continually try to justify the practice. It is precisely because there are no easily-perceived unpleasant consequences that petting is not recognized as a lack of control.

            Now, as we have pointed out, control is necessary in every sphere of life, and in sex matters, as in all other, a lack of control must inevitably have harmful consequences, though these may not be immediately apparent.

            One of the most serious dangers of petting is that it is merely the first step in a sexual progression. Those who indulge in it gain immediate pleasure, but they need more stimulation on the next occasion in order to obtain the same degree of pleasure. Thus progression is made through kissing to caressing, then to sexual intercourse. As soon as one tension is released, another is created. The problems resulting from such a progression are often involved and frustrating.

            The sexual progression ought to be understood by young people. Those who need to express affection in a warm and natural way do not, of course, find the progression inevitable. But those who permit petting for the immediate pleasure it yields should be aware of the problem of control they must face as a consequence.

            An argument frequently used by youth in endeavoring to justify petting is: “Everyone is doing it”, Even if this were true – and it is not – the fact would not make wrong conduct right. Nevertheless, youth is inexperience, and the conversation and conduct of others make an impression and influence conduct. This is often the case when virtue is mocked, when the desire for popularity and approval is uppermost, or when the need for affection or the need to be “with it” is felt. Young people do not like to be different: they like to be accepted by their peers. Moreover, to many who are frustrated and unsuccessful in other spheres, petting is a tempting and easy alternative.

            These facts give some ideal of the interaction of causes that lead young people into sex experimentation on date and outings. Where couples both have the same high moral standards, they are relatively free from strain and conflict: for they have a better understanding of what sex contribute to life, seeing it as a creative human joy, rather than a negative thing like an avoidance of frustration or a relief of tension.

            Sex is for loving, and not for mere pleasure. Young people in love who want to remain chaste must try to keep this clearly before their minds. They will naturally want to kiss and embrace, but these signs of affection will only turn into petting if their purpose, which is to express love, is forgotten. Consequently, couples will avoid caresses that are sexually stimulating and that are likely to lead to further liberties. In avoiding such liberties, they are really showing their love and consideration for each other. The sacrifice entailed is a real proof of this.

Is sexual control Injurious?

We often hear it said that sexual control is injurious mentally and physically. Nothing is more contrary to the truth. It is true that the sexual instinct is powerful and recurrent. It is also true that many things in our modern environment are sexually exciting and make restraint difficult. Indeed, living conditions themselves are often such that any easily-grasped pleasure seems desirable and attractive. Consequently, a whole host of reasons are put forward to rationalize and justify sexual licence.

            Among these is the claim that it is unnatural to suppress such a strong desire and that such suppression leads to neuroses and personality problems and even worse.

            These ideas which are put forward by various people, and even by some psychiatrists, are contrary to science and experience. Research has revealed the fact that it is not suppression but irregular sex relations, whether inside or outside the married state, that do damage physically, mentally and socially. There is, indeed no evidence either from physiology, from psychology or from experience, that sexual intercourse for the unmarried is necessary to maintain physical or mental health. In other words, chastity is possible for all.

            It is not difficult for anyone to cite numerous examples from among his acquaintance of those who have controlled their sexual impulses and have still been happy and able to contribute their share to the welfare of the community, without any suggestion of damaged personalities.

            In fact, it is well known that many people deliberately undertake a life of continence to dedicate their lives to some cause which they have at heart. This kind of sacrifice, which is the result of a whole-hearted commitment and which is a free and deliberate act of the will, is not detrimental to the personality, but rather a satisfying and enriching experience. It is often necessary, in various spheres of life, to sacrifice one set of cherished interests for the achievement of others, even more valued. It is by no means rare for the sexual mode of life to be deliberately sacrificed in this way. Those who make this sacrifice may still value and appreciate the sexual power that they possess, but without any harm to their health or personalities, they may choose not to use them.

            No-one has to yield in sexual matters. We choose freely. But it is important to note that a right choice is made only when pros and cons have been carefully pondered and understood. Once a decision is made, based on a firm conviction of what we really know is best, then we have a reasonable chance of controlling our desires.

            There is a vast difference between wrong attitudes towards sex and control or suppression of sex. Wrong attitude can certainly be harmful. They may consist in not acknowledging the sexual side of our natural and of building up unnatural barriers. This often springs from a faulty training or education in sex matters which has engendered a false sense of guilt where none should exist, or from a lack of basic and essential knowledge. Such attitudes can also be the result of some shocking experience encountered earlier in life. Those who feel they have a wrong attitude towards sex should seek advice from some competent person – a doctor, a clergyman, or some older person whom they respect. In serious cases, where there is real disturbance, a reputable psychiatrist should be consulted.

            Young people should think well ahead to other goals they wish to achieve during the years to come. These goals may actually depend for their success on the self-control exercised before marriage, and impulsiveness during youth may have far-reaching effect in putting the fulfilment of the most cherished needs and desires out of reach. Such needs and desires do not make themselves felt as urgently in youth as does sex, but they ultimately matter much more to the mind and heart. When they are not fulfilled, regret and even bitterness may often result.

            A lack of self-mastery, indeed, inspires no confidence in self or in others, and, since partners in life are expected to give support by sharing problems and helping to solve them, this lack of responsibility is a serious obstacle to happiness in marriage. A lax and selfish attitude towards sex should show a red right to anyone who can read the signs.

            Modern society makes great demands on the young, but the rewards of winning through are also great. Those who can control their sexual desire are preparing for a life of which the quality will be high. They will enjoy a family life lived in peace and understanding, because they will have learned how to make the necessary sacrifices intelligently and generously.