1. Hold back on sex
This may seem counterintuitive to an article about healthy sex, but consider this: If two-thirds of teens have sex, that means one-third don't. Also, abstinence doesn't mean no sexual feelings: it means no sex. If that's a choice you and your partner make, don't be ashamed of it. You shouldn't be ashamed of having sexual urges with your partner, either—it's unnatural not to. There are things you can do to help calm those urges while still sharing the kind of intimacy that people in relationships share.
2. Enjoy the making out process, but hold your line
If their hands wander to places you don't want them to, don't just try to stop them with body language: Use your own hands to push them away and say, "No, I'm not ready." They should immediately understand what you mean and respect that and stop the approach.
This can still spread STDs and bacterial infections.
3. Stop making out if the heat is too much for both of you to handle.
If you both can't control your passion, stop making out. It's totally normal to have desires, but you don't have to act on them. If you find yourself suddenly overwhelmed by passion but decide to stay chaste for the time being, back off a bit and say something like "Wow, that's exciting, but I'm not ready to take it any further right now. Let's go to a movie."
Don't be surprised if your partner doesn't understand, or insists: They may not be as willing to stop as you are, and may be a little confused and flustered. But if they're still insistent, demanding, or even trying to engage in emotional blackmail, such as "If you loved me, you'd keep going," have them go home and calm down, then reconsider whether you want to be in this situation with them again.
4. Understand the risks
Surprisingly, abstinence actually has a higher failure rate than condoms when it comes to preventing STDs and pregnancy. Of course, this doesn't mean that kissing will get you pregnant. It means that a large number of abstinent teens lose their resolve and have some form of sex in a passionate moment, often without protection. Learn about pregnancy and STDs. Understanding the risks can help you stick to your plan, or run out and buy a condom if you change your mind.
