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Emotional Virginity - What Happens When You Deeply Bond With Guys?

We've already talked about sex and virginity ("keeping your fire in the fireplace" of marriage), but what is emotional virginity?

Well, this is where we'll talk about protecting your emotions in relationships with guys. Emotional virginity is probably something you don't think about. But before you dismiss it all together, let's consider the impact it can have.

Ever Been Depressed After a Break-up?

depression after break-up By far, this is one of the most frequent prayer requests I get for teen girls....being broken hearted. It's too common not to address.

If you're a teenage girl, the chances are either you or a friend of yours has experienced feeling depressed after a break-up. Some depression is normal. But, too many girls are getting "stuck" in the hurt and pain.

Statistics have shown a link between sex outside of marriage and depression. But what if you haven't been sexually active?

There are steps you can take to protect your heart.



Are the Gates of Your Heart Wide Open? Has Your "Security Guard" Taken A Break?

security guard gate Have you been to a gated community lately? Some of you may live in them. They are neighborhoods that have a security guard sitting at a gate deciding who comes in and out of the neighborhood. It gives added protection and security, especially in big cities or high crime areas.

When my husband and I lived in the country of Belize, we lived in a situation like this. Crime tends to be higher in third world countries, so it's much more common to have armed security guards at night watching the area. Well, one night we heard a gun shot (our security guard shot straight up in the air to scare off intruders) and came to find out some people had climbed the fence and were coming for our house. That night, I believe the security guard saved us from getting robbed.

What about you? Do you have a "security guard" protecting your heart or is your "security guard" on a break?

The bible says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Proverbs 4:23

I did a little research on the original Greek meaning of these words.

That word guard means "to preserve, guard from dangers, to be blockaded."

And heart means more than just being “mushy, gushy”. It is your mind, will, understanding, inner part, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory, inclination, resolution, determination (of will), conscience, as seat of appetites, as seat of emotions and passions.

I'll repeat it again. "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

How Do I Guard My Heart in Relationships?

emotional virginity image Most girls like to talk. And talk, and talk. Not all girls are this way, but in general we bond by talking.

Guys are not usually this same way. They bond through adventure and by doing things together. Think of the guys you know, what do they do when they hang out? Watch or play sports. Play video games. Hunting and fishing. Etc.

But, girls love to sit and talk.

My husband knows this about me. I like to talk on the phone with him, but he usually doesn't like it. Why? It's just one of the ways girls and guys are different.

Since girls bond by talking, it's easier for us to share our deepest, most inner thoughts with guys. You talk for hours and it feels like you are bonding so deeply with him. He's such a great listener. But, what happens is, you can open the gates of your heart - too much, too soon. It can leave your heart unprotected and unguarded.

Let's say you tell your boyfriend everything. All your deepest darkest secrets. He's your accountibility partner. You trust him completely. Then, 3 months later, you break up. However, he still has a part of your heart. Can he still be trusted with it? Who else will he share those deepest, darkest secrets with? Who do you have to share with now?

Are you starting to understand how sharing too much of yourself too soon can be dangerous?

Is He the one?

You may think that because you are so in love that it's okay to open your heart completely. You think he's the one. But, if you are 14, 15, 16 years old, statistics show that you will most likely not be marrying your high school boyfriend.

That means that it is likely you will break up. And if you do marry him, statistics show that 51% of teen marriages end in divorce before the age of 24? (US Bureau of Statistics)

The bottom line? You will most likely not marry the guy you are dating, so be a little cautious and guard your heart.



More Help for Teen Girls...

Shelley has written a book specifically for teen girls...and this book could change your life or a teen girl you know...Find out more now!

Bring Shelley to speak to your group, church or school! Shelley's openness and vulnerability as she shares her own story of hope and healing will inspire and encourage you. Get started now!




Other Articles Related to Sex & Dating

Teen Flirting Tips - Is it innocent fun? Read this article and decide for yourself!

Differences Between Guys and Girls - Knowing these differences ahead of time can save you some pain.

How Far is Too Far? Technical Virginity and the Definition of Sex - When you make a commitment to abstinence what does it really mean?

Top Dating Tips - To date or not to date? Read this article and then decide!

Masturbation for women and teen girls - It's not just a guy problem. If you are struggling with this issue, read this article and S'ambrosia's story of finding freedom.

Sex and Depression - Is there a link? If you're feeling depressed, it could be coming from something deeper than you think. Find out more here.

Porn...A Growing Problem Even Among Teens - Porn is something that many people are getting addicted to but aren't talking about. It is impacting families, marriages and controlling many people's lives. All they can think about is the next time they will be able to access their computer or the next thrill they will get. Although boys are the ones typically drawn to porn due their visual nature, girls are also getting hooked. Even girls in good homes that are raised in the church.

Overcoming Sexual Abuse - Find Healing and Hope After You've Been Deeply Hurt

Views on Homosexuality - Is it Right or Wrong? Learn more about this controversial topic and discuss it with others.

Teenage Abortion - You or a Friend Considering Teenage Abortion? Choose Life! Read this article containing facts about abortion you should know before making a decision.



Recommended Reading

521358: I Kissed Dating Goodbye, A New Attitude Toward Romance and  RelationshipsI Kissed Dating Goodbye, A New Attitude Toward Romance and Relationships
By Joshua Harris / Multnomah

Are you fed up with the sham and charade of the dating game? Harris understands because he's been there. His honest and refreshing approach to dating challenges today's dating practices and offers practical, biblical alternatives. Discover how living a life of love, purity, and purposeful singleness can help you build godly, satisfying relationships.

Hayley DiMarco has written some great books on the topics of dating and sex. Here are a few to check out...

730852: Technical Virgin: How Far Is Too Far?Technical Virgin: How Far Is Too Far?
By Hayley DiMarco / Baker

Pledging abstinence until marriage can be dangerous.

Huh?! You read that right! The reality is that while you may have decided to save sex for marriage, you may still be having physical encounters--but not going all the way. But being a "technical virgin" isn't just risky--did you know you could still contract an STD or get pregnant?--it can wreak havoc on your emotions and your spirit. Even innocent playing around, like back rubs or tickle fights, could be setting the stage for something more. Hayley DiMarco explains why.

Technical Virgin also answers questions you might be afraid to ask.

  • Have I gone too far?
  • What is too far?
  • If I've messed up, will God forgive me?
  • What should I do from now on?
Knowing when to draw the line will help save you the pain "everything but sex" can bring. This book can help you start over with a clean slate if you've already "messed up" and keep your purity intact if you're just starting to get physical with guys. Because purity doesn't have room for compromise.



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