Practicing Abstinence as Engaged Couple, Til Death Do Us Apart & Honoring and Loving a Woman

Ask Christopher West

Questions answered this episode:

• I’m a young woman happily dating a catholic man. The thought of having times of abstinence in marriage is a little sad. Could you speak on the beauty of abstinence? Is the ability to be physically intimate even in times of abstinence without it leading to intercourse something that is learned only in marriage? Is this something that can be learned as an engaged couple?
• My husband of 32 years died last year and I’m struggling with the thought of no longer being a married woman. How can I reconcile the “two becoming one” and “til death do us apart”? What is the nature of the marriage relationship in heaven?
• I met a woman that is 3 years older than I am which put me off initially but now I just can’t unsee her beauty. I get easily aroused by simple interactions with her. I often worry about messing up if we start dating. How can I honor God and love this beautiful woman?

Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II’s beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.

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Resources mentioned this week:

Love & Responsibility YouTube Series

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Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals.

Featuring music by Mike Mangione.