"Here are some practical suggestions for dealing with temptation: 1) Pray to God. Perhaps say the Jesus prayer, or some other short prayer (such as "Lord, help me"). 2) Avoid occasions of sin. If I know through personal experience that a certain situation is likely to be filled with temptations, I should avoid that situation. One of the best strategies when dealing with temptation is flight. 3) Have a "Plan B" ready. If I cannot avoid being in a situation where I may be tempted, I need to prepare ahead of time a clear idea of another activity I can engage in that will take me away from the temptation. 4) Brush temptations away like mosquitoes. If we concentrate on our temptations, beyond a proper vigilance, then they can fill our minds. Instead, patiently brush them away. "
Without question the easiest way to prevent sin is to avoid the temptation in the first place of things we know will indeed tempt us and we are weak toward. We all have our temptations and failings, but nothing works better than staying away if possible from situations where we will be tempted.
Good post. If I'm going to be "out" without my husband, I make a point of taking a child of reasoning age along. Not only is it edifying for the child to experience some adult life, such as a Swift-Vets presentation, but it sends a clear message that I'm not available.
My husband thought I was being overcautious, until he found himself in an uncomfortable situation with the single mother of one of the Cub Scouts in our pack. (Yes, she knew he was married with seven children.) He told me about it when they got home, and I just said, "Oops!" knowing that he can be naive, and then he said, "Next time I'll make sure I have some boys with me, if I have to go help one of the moms!"