Yes there are, and I have the utmost respect for them for not only wanting to do that, but for seeing it through (if they are successful). I was foolish enough, in my stupid, youthful, selfish sinfulness to throw away that sacred part of me, which I now have to live with for the rest of my life. However, by the grace of God He has given me peace over it.

You, in regards to your ideas, are completely right. Any form of physical intimacy that is going to cause you to lust after your partner is landmine territory in a field painted with flowers to look pretty.

People will naturally then say,

“What so I can’t kiss my girlfriend/boyfriend?”

That depends; what is the first love in your hearts? Is your desire for God’s presence within you to increase greater than your desire for their layers of clothing to decrease?

If you can kiss them without it tempting you to lust and fall into physical sin, then by all means plant a big fat one on their lips!

If you can’t give them a simple peck without wanting to go further, then I’d seriously reconsider. It’s a matter of boundaries, in my humble opinion.

That said, there’s plenty of ways you can show affection without intimacy; social activities together with friends, holding hands and adventures to the beach, writing notes/songs/poems for each other, drawing pictures together, right down to the simple manner in which you talk to them and show them respect…the list is endless!

Even a good ol’ fashioned vice-grip hug will do! Who doesn’t like hugs?!

But fear not, for you are most certainly not alone on this!

Bless you!