Taking the Plunge

A big part of my commitment to not kiss is telling as many people as possible. I have a lot of pride and I hate admitting when I mess up, so the more people I tell about my commitment, the more incentive I'll have not to mess up. Sometimes I'm proud to tell people because I know they'll commend me. Other times I'm a little shy, knowing someone is going to laugh at or ridicule me. But slowly I'm getting to the point where I just put it out there and say, "This is the decision I've made. I'm different from you and it's okay that I feel differently about kissing." I'm not judging anyone else. Just because it's wrong for me doesn't mean it's wrong for someone else.

I've been surprised at many reactions. Some people are set against it, as if it's wrong for me to not kiss anyone. Other people that I thought would roll their eyes have been surprisingly supportive. One of my guy friends whom I've known since I was 6 or so chatted with me about it for a while and then pointed out ways in which I was endangering my own success. I'm glad he took the time to be real with me, because his input has really helped me strengthen my approach.

I have to be careful about how much I talk about love interests, given that this is a public blog. I do have to commend a certain unnamed gentleman, though. I sat him down one evening and said, "I don't want you to kiss me." (I have a hard time being tactful) Then I gave him a one or two sentence explanation. He said okay and told me he respected me for my decision. Now, maybe I expect too much, but that is what he should have done. What he really earned points for, though, was a conversation we had the next day about my decisions and what I need to do or not do to keep from tempting myself too much. He was absolutely and completely supportive and helpful. I guess there are good guys out there. And not just good guys, but good for me guys. :)