I wouldn't say 'sex' distracts anyone from anything: regardless to it being the H.S.C; which has been drilled into our 17 turning 18 year old heads from day dot, that it is the single-most-important-thing we will ever have to carry out in our lives.
I think more distracting would be someone on the search for a boyfriend, or beau to lose one's viginity too. Or perhaps problems in relationships (be it family, friends, or partners).
If anything, sex would be helpful in many situations as it releases good endorphins, relaxes and de-stresses you.
Hence it taking alot of pressure off couples at such a tense time and lets them chillax and still remain intimate.
p.s: don't need to take advice from me, as long time on/off bf just discarded me for a pre-pubescent, preppy stick-figure...
REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES. x
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