Philip’s narrative highlights the complex interrelationship between loneliness and the need for sexual activity. It is about choices to be sexually active or not and about having autonomy over those choices. 

Philip's story describes self-discipline and respect, self-respect, respect for marriage and respect for the significant woman in Philip’s life. It is also a narrative about risk avoidance – avoiding the risk of loneliness. Yet, as we all know loneliness can be experienced within a relationship.