10 Tips to Help You Stay Pure

1. Pray for purity every morning. Don’t repress sexual desires, but pray for their redemption. (3 Hail Mary’s are a great way to do this!)

2. Avoid impure relationships before they begin

3. Once in a relationship, avoid places and situations in which you’re likely to fall into sin and temptation

4. Know your boundaries before you’re tempted, and make sure your date knows them before you even start dating them. This may mean you need to have a specific discussion about it.
5. Choose friends who will help you grow in purity.

6. Double date or group date with friends who have high standards.

7. Get rid of impure TV, magazines (including Cosmo, ladies!), and music. Remember: garbage in = garbage out! St. Paul tells us: “If there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise think about these things.” (Phil 4:8)

8. Listen to the advice of your wisest friends and family members who are committed Christians.

9. Try to go to Confession at least once a month

10. If things are going too far, don’t be afraid to say “No.”

Undoubtedly, at some point in a relationship your conscience will point you in one direction while your hormones tug you in another. Your conscience is a “smoke alarm” letting you know danger is just around the corner. The more you form your conscience to the wisdom of God and His Church, the more capable you’ll be in maintaining pure relationships.