I know, even the title makes me cringe. Having been apart from my man for months at a time for school, internship, and medical reasons, I can vouch for the pain and suffering celibacy can inflict! But seeing as it’s Celibacy Awareness Month, I thought I’d pay some homage to those people who either are on the rocks, not getting any, or choosing to be celibate for some reason or another right now with some benefits of being celibate.

No Worries: You know you’re not going to get a disease or a baby on the way if you’re not having sex. At least there’s that!

Pent Up Frustration: This can be a great thing if you’re in a relationship. When you’re finally together, you’ll tear each other’s clothes off and have a blast—and it will be all that more intense.

Golden Opportunities: If you are separated by distance for some reason, it’s a great time to practice the lost art of phone sex. Try out sexting if you like to text each other, or try some erotic instant messaging or e-mailing.

Staying Uncomplicated: Let’s face it, sex does complicate a relationship. Keeping it on the back burner for a while allows you to really focus on your relationship itself—and if you want to stick with it or not. It can also allow you to date rather than be in an exclusive relationship, as long as you are up front with the people you are seeing.

Celebrate Slow Time: If you’re in-between relationships and practicing celibacy to take new relationships nice and easy, you can have as much fun as you want knowing that there’s no pressure. Be up front, talk about how sex is important but you’d rather get to know one another first, and just have an old-fashioned, laid back good time. There’s nothing wrong with that! And again, this can build up some nice tension to make it all that much more special for when you do decide to have sex.

Waiting for the Right One: Though people think this is a lost art, there are plenty of people who wait to have sex until they are married, and there’s nothing wrong with that, either. Don’t be ashamed of this choice; it speaks volumes of your own values. It doesn’t make you any better or any worse than anyone else, so just be yourself and be proud.