What are the alternatives to marriage in 1 Cor 7:9?

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1 Cor 7:8-9 (NRSV)

8. To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is well for them to remain unmarried as I am.
9. But if they are not practicing self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to be aflame with passion.

This presents multiple alternatives in preferential order:

1. Remain unmarried, but practice self-control
2. Marry
3. Remain unmarried, but not practicing self-control (where not practicing self-control involves or necessitates being aflame with passion)

Given these alternatives, what does ‘not practicing self-control’ and ‘being aflame with passion’ involve? Sexual desire? Lust? Trying to get remarried? Romantic relationships? Sexual acts? Intercourse?