There is peace within your boundaries.

Sex is a big money market, and sex sells. Between music videos, movies, and the way the fabric keeps getting shorter and shorter and just a bit more see through, there is no more mystery. We are all up front, all at once. I know that in this day and age, the word "boundaries" can seem to hold such a heavy weight. In the world we currently live in, boundaries are a lot less likely to come in to play because of our innate desire and need as humans to show affection. There is nothing wrong with wanting to express the love you feel

inwardly, outwardly towards the person you love, but there is a way to show your emotions without putting yourself in a compromising position you never intended to be in. These are my top 3 boundaries that will help you to still have a beautiful relationship, but that won't compromise your personal desire to keep your purity intact.

Boundary 1: Having Public Dates.

This sounds a bit extreme, but it can be a key component in helping you remind yourself of your own boundaries. Allowing your friends to be a part of your courtship will really help you to see your partner in a new light. It is important to see how the person you are choosing reacts and interacts with the people you love. If this is someone who is going to be in your life for a long time, you will want them to be able to hop in the car with you and go on random adventures with the people you have been doing life with way before you ever knew their name. This will also help you to have a different perspective from people you trust and insight in to how this person cares for you, looks after you, and loves you. It is harder for someone to hide in plain sight in front of the eyes of people who genuinely love you. They may help you see that this is RIGHT for your, or a WASTE of your time.

Boundary 2: Remembering your "WHY".

This is so important. You have to allow yourself alone time. To really spend time with yourself and the Lord and remember why you even decided boundaries needed to be in place. Learning yourself as a single person is above all else the most important thing. Knowing yourself will allow you to remember that all of this is not about stopping you from having fun, but helping you to decern if a person really has your best intentions at heart. We can get so caught up in a persons looks and how they make us feel, and forget that WE ARE THE PRIZE. If they love you and want the best for you they will hold you accountable even if they don't fully understand. Their love for you should have them going to the Lord on behalf of your relationship, to seek HIS understanding. 

Boundary 3: Go Home! 

I know that this is easier said than done, especially when you enjoy the company of your partner. Remember that the Lord will not give you more than you can handle. Having an accountability partner in a best friend, mentor, or family member will help you keep the precious promises you made to God. You can let them know that you and your person are hanging out and to give them a specific time to have them call or text you at, so that you are reminded of your promise and keep your from being tempted. You can also set an alarm on your phone with a message that pops up saying things like "Its time to go", "Your future self will thank you", "Be a woman/man of your word". You can even put your favorite bible verse. These things will help remind you that you are more important than a fleeting desire, and that boundaries are a form of self love and self respect.

I know that some of these are easier said than done, and they will not completely stop your humanly urges, but they will remind you that you are precious and loved. If you are with someone who will not partner with you in helping keep your commitments, they may not be the person that you are called to be with anyway. The Lord loves you, and he believes you are worthy of love, and worthy of waiting for.