This week in class we discussed sexual intimacy. I was reminded of the sacredness of the marriage relationship and how it is important to keep intimacy in it's proper bounds until after marriage. We learn in class that there are certain hormones released during intimacy, one that stuck out to me was the hormone called oxytocin. Boys and girls both have it but girls produce higher amounts of it. It is called the "bonding" hormone because it helps you to feel more bonded to your spouse. Creating these bonds outside of marriage can be dangerous when the commitment levels are low. This is one of the reasons that i believe you should not have sexual intimacy outside of marriage. President Ezra Taft Benson taught “Do not be misled by Satan’s lies. There is no lasting happiness in immorality. There is no joy to be found in breaking the law of chastity. Just the opposite is true. There may be momentary pleasure. For a time it may seem like everything is wonderful. But quickly the relationship will break down. Guilt and shame set in. We become fearful that our sins will be discovered. We must sneak and hide, lie and cheat. Love begins to die. Bitterness, jealousy, anger, and even hate begin to grow. All of these are the natural results of sin and transgression.

“On the other hand, when we obey the law of chastity and keep ourselves morally clean, we will experience the blessings of increased love and peace, greater trust and respect for our marital partners, deeper commitment to each other, and therefore a deep and significant sense of joy and happiness. …

“… Decide now to be chaste. The decision to be chaste and virtuous need only be made once. Make that decision now, and let it be so firm and with such deep commitment that it can never be shaken”

I believe that living chaste lives before marriage will bring you more happiness in your marriage.