Heather Mangan

Dear Heather-

I am a 20-year-old virgin. Personally, I don’t think there is anything wrong with this, but my boyfriend does. We have been dating for three years and we haven’t had sex. I want to wait until marriage, but he thinks that we should just do it. He is becoming very impatient with me. I am not comfortable with this, but I don’t want to lose him. I’ve talked to my friends about this and they think I should give in. They all think sex is great and that I won’t regret it. I tell them that I really want to have sex, but my religious beliefs are holding me back. They tell me that I won’t go to hell for having sex, but I am still really leery. I don’t want to lose my boyfriend and I am super curious. Please help me!

-Scared to make the wrong choice

Dear Scared,

Deciding whether or not to have sex is a hard decision, but it is one that only your heart can make, not your mind or other people.

You have to ask yourself what you want and how the decision will affect you. Will you be able to have sex and not have any regrets? Can you live without your boyfriend? These are all things you need to think of before you have sex.

To me, it seems like you truly don’t want to have sex and that you would only be doing it to please others.

But in a situation like this, you need to think of yourself first. And if that means not having sex, then that means not having sex.

You are right. There is nothing wrong with being a 20-year-old virgin. And if your boyfriend and friends have a problem with that, then they aren’t the people who you thought they were.

No guy is worth sacrificing your religious and moral beliefs. If he is going to break up with you just for not having sex, then he is a creep and the relationship isn’t meant to last.

Your friends also don’t know you well. They should be able to respect your beliefs and decisions, not criticize them. If they can’t do that, they are not worth your trouble.

You have to make yourself happy. You can’t worry about what others think, especially when it is something you feel strongly about.

There are many other people who feel the same way as you do. In fact, there is a new wave of young adults who are proud to practice abstinence. These people can help you make the right decision and be proud of it. You can also find support from a local church youth group.

Remember that morals are some of the most important things we have. And those that can stick with them are people with real character.

#1.884584:3649476605.jpg:heathermug.jpg:Heather Mangan, Columnist: