Emotional chastity might be a term you’ve encountered, but don’t fully understand. It can be a buzzword in young adult Catholic circles, but what does it really mean?
- Sensual vs. Sentimental Attraction
- The Dangers of Sensual and Sentimental Attractions
- Emotional Chastity and Mental Stalking
- Integrating Emotional and Physical Purity
- Tips for Practicing Emotional Chastity
- Additional Resources
To explore this concept, we’ll turn to Blessed Pope John Paul II, whose writings provide profound insights into human sexuality. His thoughts on emotional chastity are rooted in his earlier work, Love and Responsibility—a book written during the early sexual revolution in 1960. This text, though complex, offers valuable insights into the topic.
Sensual vs. Sentimental Attraction
According to John Paul II, there are two types of attraction:
- Sensual Attraction: This relates to physical appeal. It’s about what we find physically attractive in someone—essentially, “she’s hot.”
- Sentimental Attraction: This involves the emotional value we find in a person—”he’s fascinating.”
Both types of attraction can spark instantaneously or develop over time and are essential for love. However, if not managed properly, they can lead us to use others rather than genuinely loving them.
The Dangers of Sensual and Sentimental Attractions
Sensual attraction can easily devolve into using someone for physical pleasure.
But sentimental attraction can also be problematic if it leads us to use someone for emotional gratification. For example, someone might stay in a relationship for emotional security or validation rather than true love.
Emotional Chastity and Mental Stalking
Emotional chastity, much like physical chastity, requires discipline. Just as we might fantasize about someone sexually, we can also do so emotionally.
This “mental stalking” involves daydreaming about a relationship with someone, imagining what it would be like to date them, or planning a future together. While this might seem harmless, it can turn a person into an object of our emotional fantasies, which contradicts genuine love.
Integrating Emotional and Physical Purity
Emotional and physical attractions are closely linked. To achieve true, lasting love, we need both emotional purity and physical chastity. By maintaining integrity in our emotional attractions, we pave the way for authentic love.
Tips for Practicing Emotional Chastity
Focus on Friendship: Build strong, platonic friendships that offer emotional support without romantic complications.
Reflect on Intentions: Be honest about your motivations in relationships to avoid seeking emotional validation.
Limit Triggers: Reduce exposure to media or activities that fuel unrealistic emotional fantasies.
Engage in Self-Care: Invest in activities that nurture your well-being, like journaling or hobbies.
Practice Gratitude: Focus on appreciating what you have instead of longing for what you don’t.
Seek Accountability: Share your journey with a trusted friend or mentor for support and guidance.
Build Resilience: Develop healthy coping strategies for handling emotional challenges.
Practice Forgiveness: Let go of past hurts and regrets to move forward with emotional integrity.
Pray for Guidance: Seek divine assistance to maintain purity of heart and mind.
Additional Resources
For further reading, check out Dr. Edward Sri’s article, “Sense and Sentimentality,” to deepen your understanding of emotional chastity.
For even more great Catholic resources, check out our podcast, which features talks from our SEEKconference, and our YouTube channel for videos and more!
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