As a young Muslim in the west, I need advice as to how to lower my gaze from sexual temptations without monastizing myself- and more importantly, to learn how to secure a healthy marital relationship in the future.

Self accountability is the best way to control actions.

Many people who have no control of their desires do so because they don’t regard what they are doing as wrong and they don’t keep track of the sins. If a person begins to hold themselves accountable things would be very different.

Furthermore, remembrance of Allah during times of desire is also important. It will bring you away from the sins.