I'm saving myself. A statement seldom heard in today's society.

I'm saving myself. A statement that leaves space for vulnerability among the speaker.

I'm saving myself. A beautiful proclamation for young women.

It is always assumed that because I am a young woman, I do not have my virginity. Maybe it happened whilst tangled up in a "friend's with benefits" situation. Perhaps it occurred while in an an actual, meaningful relationship. The idea that I am waiting for marriage is mindless to some. The idea that a young woman can have a relationship and not be sexually active is disbelief to those outside of the relationship itself.

It is something I used to have to convince myself was the right choice for my own body, for fear of being labeled superior or hypocritical. It's a beautiful thing, really, being able to give to one person something that nobody else has yet to experience. It is scary, too. What will people think when I tell them I am saving myself (not that it's much talked about anyhow)? Will they care? Will they think I am judgemental if they aren't choosing that same lifestyle? It is difficult. The wave of thoughts arising to the surface are stressful to handle at times. It's the norm, right? To lose it?

Nobody said it was easy, either. I don't think it is supposed to be an easy thing to accomplish. But, oh boy, the idea of it seems so rewarding to not only myself, but also for the partner I eventually choose to marry.

Scientifically speaking, the odds are against young women who make the choice to wait. Testosterone is produced through the adrenal glands and the ovaries, which increases desire for sex. Also, during and after a woman's menstrual cycle, desires increase. These things make it harder to want to wait. To some degree, it's a personal battle between what the female body wants, and what the mind and heart of a young woman choose to believe in.

Speaking as a member of today's society, the odds are against young women there, too. One abstinence statistic states that only three percent of Americans wait until marriage to have sex. The odds are against those in that three percent. That is about one out of every thirty people. Sixty percent of that tiny three percent are women. The numbers are low. Being a part of that three percent is like being a member of a secret club. Not many people know about what goes on or actually, what does not go on.

Saving oneself isn't something that a young woman can put half her heart into. It has to be a serious commitment; a pact between the mind, the heart, and the body. The reasoning behind that important proclamation might be per one's own body choice, for religious beliefs, or other personal beliefs. Whatever the logic behind the choice, stand proud in it.

When you do reach the day to give it up to someone, it will be rewarding to look back on all the temptation and pressing opportunities, knowing you beat the odds of the female body and society. It is also rewarding to know you have been persistent in your own beliefs. Don't be afraid to speak out about your decision to wait. That is something to be proud of!

Love, a young woman in waiting ♥