We live in an era where hookup culture is bigger than ever.

I grew up with a strong belief that you should lose your virginity to someone who loves you. Some called me prude and some called me goody-goody.

Like all times, there is always a curiosity about sex.

High school and college are really the big life stages where sex starts to be to become experimental. You wonder what it's like, what it feels like, and who it will be with. I was the only virgin out of my friend group. However, I was not ashamed of that. I always told myself, "right person at the right time." I was never the one to shame people who are having sex. I just knew the high school was not the time for me to engage and that sort of activity.

I graduated high school and had gone through a whole bunch of new life phases that summer. Heartbreak, identity crisis, and more. Unfortunately, losing my virginity did not come with a choice. If you ever read any of my previous articles, you would know that I was a victim of sexual assault. I was introduced to sex in a horrific way.

I learned that it's not “just sex.”

Sex comes with a lot of responsibility which individuals tend to forget about. A lot of the time, people say that sex is just fun, but I honestly have to disagree with that statement. Sex is a very special connection between two people. I feel that sex should not be taken lightly in any sort of situation.

There's always a time and place for actions like sex. It is always important to feel comfortable and secure during a connection like sex. The main message that I am trying to get across to all men and women is to always be cautious and go with your gut feeling. Don’t ever let anyone force you into something that you truly don’t feel comfortable with, deep inside your heart.