In the hall closet of our home, you’ll find a bulk supply of condoms, right there in plain sight. I’ve opened the box, and a few have been taken out—no one’s counting, no questions asked. It’s like offering mints: feel free to grab one or two, no judgment.
I genuinely hope that when the time comes, the young people in my life will wait for someone special—someone who will cherish them deeply, not just until the parents return home. However, I understand that developing such a mindset takes time, and often involves a lot of trial and error. Until they reach that point of understanding, I want to ensure they have all the information they need about sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancies, responsibility, compassion, and accountability. Most importantly, I believe in providing them with easy access to condoms. After all, the only thing safer than using a condom is abstinence, and let’s be real, that ship has sailed for many.
The idea of keeping condoms on hand began when my daughter started to take an interest in a particularly charming friend of hers. He was smart, athletic, and undeniably attractive—a favorite among parents, including us. My daughter, however, insisted he was too short for her, but they had been friends since kindergarten.
That’s when I learned about his purity pledge card.
“YOUR WHAT???” I exclaimed, incredulous.
He confidently pulled out a card from his wallet that displayed his commitment to wait until marriage to have sex. It was signed by himself and a local priest. As I looked at that piece of paper, I couldn’t help but think about how naive this boy was. He was still the same kid who climbed trees and played games in our yard, but soon he’d be navigating the complexities of teenage relationships, with only a flimsy card to protect him.
“Listen, I want to give you something,” I said, suddenly feeling the urgency to help. “Just in case. Hang tight, I’ll be right back.” I dashed upstairs, knowing the weekend was approaching quickly.
“Mom! MOM! DON’T…” My daughter’s protest began as a low growl and escalated into a full-blown warning as she sensed the impending sex-ed storm heading his way.
“Your commitment is commendable—truly,” I said, returning with a condom in hand, trying to inject some humor into the serious moment. “But do me a favor. Put this in your wallet. Because let’s be honest, on a hot summer night in the back of your parents’ minivan, that card isn’t going to do you any favors. This might just save your night—and your life. Keep it? You never know. Maybe you’ll never need it, but it’s a wise backup plan in case that promise card doesn’t hold up.”
Word spread around town, and soon enough, they began stopping by more frequently—sometimes to just say hi, or to retrieve a forgotten item. Teenagers, friends, acquaintances—slowly but surely, the box of condoms started to dwindle. It wasn’t an overnight event, but over the years, it became clear that kids were being responsible.
By the time my daughter reached her senior year, her peers knew exactly where to go if they needed condoms. “Mom, do you realize how embarrassing it is that everyone comes to me for condoms when I’m still a VIRGIN? It’s so pathetic!” she lamented.
“Oh, sweetie,” I reassured her, “Have patience. You’re headed to college soon, and I’ll get you your own bulk box to take with you. Trust me, it’ll be worth the wait. Do you want me to make you a card?”
In a world where sexual education is often glossed over, it’s crucial to provide both information and resources. If you want to learn more about the topic, check out this insightful post on Cervical Insemination. And if you’re looking for at-home insemination kits, Cryobaby is a reputable option. For further information about fertility and pregnancy, I recommend listening to this episode from Cleveland Clinic.
In summary, keeping a bulk supply of condoms not only encourages responsible behavior but also opens up conversations about relationships, safety, and respect. It’s all about equipping the next generation with the tools they need to make informed choices.
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