In many respects, celibacy can be a taboo subject. For those singles who have chosen to remain celibate, looking for a partner can become fraught with anxiety. How is a potential love interest going to react when they receive this news? How is it going to impact any relationship going forward? The good news is that this is hardly a unique situation, as many people choose to go down this route. The even better news is that there are a lot of dating options, especially if you go online. We’ll look into the latter aspect in more detail, but firstly, let’s outline exactly what celibacy entails.
The first step – explaining your position
Will a prospective partner appreciate the difference between celibacy and abstinence? You’d have to explain that the latter refers to a specific timeframe, typically until a couple is married. Celibacy is much less open-ended and will often last a lifetime – especially if the subject is a religious figure, such as a priest or monk who has taken vows. Whatever has compelled you to adopt celibacy, this is something you’ll need to discuss with anyone you have developed feelings for. Some opt for celibacy because they wish the focus of any partnership to be deeply emotional rather than sexual. Again, this is an issue you need to broach at an early stage.
Finding someone compatible
Did you know there are entire websites dedicated to every type of human relationship you could think of? You could join a celibacy dating site and get to know a cross-section of interesting people, many of whom would be on your wavelength. As well as being platforms where singles can mingle and flirt with a possible love interest, these are social hubs where you can gain support. If you’re unsure about aspects of celibacy, there will be chat rooms and forums where the other site members will always be ready to offer guidance.
Keep talking
The secure communication platform offered by a dating service for celibates will provide a private channel for messaging. You’ll soon be developing a rapport with someone who could turn out to be a special person in your life. On the question of when to tell this person of your status, the answer is easy. Once you feel comfortable admitting this! Preferably sooner rather than later. You should also have sincere conversations about your definition of celibacy, as this might differ from the other person. Will it cover every sexual act? Some celibate couples consummate their intense feelings by agreeing to outercourse (non-penetrative activities such as mutual masturbation.)
Dating tips while celibate
When it comes to the ‘rules’ you should follow, nothing is carved in stone. It could be the case you and a partner have decided to share this course of action but have decided you might be open to reviewing your consensus at some point. The key pointer is to air your opinions at all times. Should either of you be having any doubts, it would be important to raise the issue and not bury your head in the sand. That would only lead to fissures in your relationship in the longer term.
As we have illustrated, individuals opt for celibacy for various reasons. Religion plays a prominent role, but there are other factors. It might be that health plays a part. Some individuals go to great lengths to lead a healthier lifestyle, and celibacy significantly reduces the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease. The important aspect of any relationship remaining successful is for both parties to communicate and understand each other’s viewpoint.
In the realm of celibacy, it’s not uncommon for health to be a contributing factor to one’s decision. For instance, some individuals choose celibacy as a means to reduce the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. This risk reduction can be particularly crucial in communities where HIV rates are disproportionately high, such as the LGBTQ+ community.
In such cases, while celibacy can be one form of protection, it’s important to remember that it isn’t the only one. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a daily medication regimen for those at high risk of contracting HIV, offers another layer of protection. While celibacy eliminates the risk of sexual transmission, PrEP medication provides an additional safeguard, particularly for those who may decide to become sexually active in the future.
However, just as with any lifestyle choice or health decision, the key to successfully navigating these complexities lies in open, honest communication. Whether it’s a discussion about celibacy, PrEP, or any other aspect of sexual health, understanding and respecting each other’s viewpoints and decisions can ensure the strength and success of a relationship.
Lastly, remember that even as a celibate individual, understanding HIV prevention strategies like PrEP can be essential, as it expands one’s knowledge about sexual health. This could be useful not only for personal growth but also for supporting friends or loved ones who may benefit from such preventive measures.
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