Abstinence vs Celibacy: What’s The Difference?
Choosing not to engage in sexual activity is more common than we may think. Whether it’s taking a break due to health-related reasons or is based on personal and religious beliefs, the meaning of abstinence vs celibacy from sex are interchangeable terms and are applied in a variety of different ways within different circumstances. For instance, those who wish to abstain from sex may be abstaining because they want to wait for the right partner. But for those who wish to refrain from sex, the term abstinence and celibacy can be interchangeable, meaning that you may want to refrain from sexual activity altogether for a certain duration of time. But how does one know if they wish to abstain or refrain from sexual activity?
In order to determine what category you may fit into, it really all depends on everyone’s personal preferences and dating experiences at certain stages in their lives. While abstinence can be temporary and more so focused on delaying or limiting sexual activity, celibacy represents a more permanent decision to eliminate sexual relationships. Understanding these factors, like age, health, marriage, and religion can help determine the difference between abstinence and celibacy.
If you’ve been wondering what side of the spectrum you fall under, look no further. Ahead, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about the two and how to distinguish your situation from others.
What is the meaning of abstinence?
Referred to as a temporary choice, abstinence is a way of deliberately restraining oneself from sexual activity for a certain period of time. Abstinence is often considered while dealing with health-related problems, choosing to opt out of sex before marriage, and/or abstaining from sex until teenagers reach a certain age. And though there are a variety of reasons why one may choose to abstain from sex, abstinence can be a personal choice for the overall well-being of the individual and can still involve sexual activity such as kissing and oral sex.
What is the meaning of celibacy?
As opposed to abstinence, celibacy is considered a lifestyle commitment. Those who practice celibacy are choosing to opt out of sexual activity altogether, ultimately making a promise or a vow to never have sex in their lives. People who are religious, such as nuns and priests, often practice the art of celibacy, though being celibate doesn’t only involve those with religious beliefs. For instance, after going through a bad breakup, an individual can choose not to be celibate for a long period of time, therefore prioritizing other things related to their personal growth and development.
What’s the difference between abstinence and celibacy?
In context, abstinence refers to a temporary decision to eliminate sex from an individual’s life, though this may not necessarily include other forms of sexual activity. As for celibacy, celibacy is a choice to never have sex as a lifestyle choice. Those who are religious, have sex-restricted health issues, and others may choose celibacy as a way to eliminate sex from the equation.
What are the similarities between abstinence and celibacy?
Understanding the concept surrounding abstinence and celibacy can be confusing, however, there are many similarities that make the two not so different from each other such as;
Refraining from sexual intercourse
Displaying self-control and willpower
A certain amount of self-denial
Ability to resist temptation and peer pressure
If you’ve been contemplating what category you fall under, look no further. Understanding the difference between abstinence and celibacy can better equip you to make the best decision for yourself and your overall well-being.
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