“Waiting” is a word that most teenagers despise. By definition the word means to hold back or delay action for a specific amount of time. I can speak for myself and other males in saying that “waiting” isn’t the easiest thing to do at our age, especially because hormones are raging and our bodies are drastically changing. Despite the impulsivity of the teenage male, it is difficult but important to wait and have sex.

Sex is romanticized and displayed all around our society. From Bud Light commercials to Jersey Shore and Victoria’s Secret temptations surround our everyday life. Beautiful women constantly surround male teenagers lives’ whether it be on magazine covers, buses, or even at school. With all this pressure and eye candy, one would ask…how do we resist the temptation?

Resisting temptations is never an easy thing to do. Though, it might be difficult and stressful, waiting to have sex is an important thing to do. Saying “no” to having sex is more than bold. First you are not succumbing to pure pressure and second, you are able to control your emotions and temptations. Knowing and controlling your own body is one of the most important lessons we can learn as human beings.

So now, you ask me. ”Why should I wait to have sex?” The most important thing to think about when discussing this with a partner or friend is “do I feel ready, safe, and comfortable?” The time will come when you feel ready. One should not rush because his or her friends are all doing it. One should make a decision without any pure pressure or force.

Here are the 5 most important reasons to wait to have sex:

1. Resist Peer Pressure: Sex will not be fun or safe if you are forced into it. Everyone has his or her time, and one should not have sex because everyone else is doing it.

2. It’s Better When You Love Them: Finding someone you trust and feel comfortable with is VERY important. It will be a regretful experience if you choose to have a one-night stand with a random girl/guy. And believe me, everything is more fun when you truly care about the person.

3. There Is Plenty More To Do Than Sex: Most guys will think I’m crazy but sometimes I’m just DTC (Down To Cuddle). To me, there is nothing better than finding a good movie and snuggling. Having fun with a partner does not only mean having intercourse. There are plenty of things one can do that don’t have to do with sex. Take my advice though, snuggling is amazing.

4. Know Yourself: Fighting an urge is very difficult but rewarding when accomplished. Ignoring the temptation will not only make you stronger, but will help you get to know yourself and your limits. Resisting certain temptations is an important lesson to learn…so why not start with sex?

Before number 5, I want everyone reading to understand that I am not against sex. I will not put down those of you who have had sex and I respect whatever you believe is right for you. I am writing as a teenage boy who knows what we, as teens, are dealing with. The pressure that we live with everyday is very difficult but overcoming it is even more wonderful. They say, “the steeper the mountain, the better view from the top”.

5. Have Something to Look Forward to and Not Expect: Don’t be entranced by the idea of sex so early. Have something to look forward to and value instead of making it a hobby. Sex is an intimate connection between two partners and one should not write that off. When something becomes more common, people tend to take it for granted, and that should not happen with something as important as sex

What are your reasons to wait? Do you agree with Yoni? Tell us in the comments!

Yoni is a sixteen-year-old high school student from Washington, DC who enjoys long walks on the beach and loves Tosh.0. Got a question for Yoni? Email us!