First, let me tell you that you are an adult (probably) and can make your own decisions. If you choose to have sex before marriage, that is fine. This article isn’t aimed at condemning anybody or their choices. This is about why myself, along with others are waiting until marriage. Hopefully this can clear some things up for people!

Backstory: A ‘friend’ told me that I shouldn’t be waiting until marriage unless it was for religious reasons, because it isn’t ‘worth it’. I was also told that kissing guys and cutting them off was ‘pretentious’ and ‘leading them on’. I can tell you that is not true. This person also implied that I think I am better than others because I am waiting. None of the above are true. I can tell you that I am not waiting to be ‘good’ or ‘faithful’ to only my future spouse. However, it is fine if someone else is. Let me tell you why I am waiting.

1. I am a very attached person. If I had sex with someone I can guarantee I would be very attached to the guy. So trust me, men, I’m making the right decision for me and you.

2. As my ‘friend’ told me, I should only wait for religious reasons. Well, that is not the only reason I am waiting. See reason 1.

Everyone is going to make his or her own choices. I’ve had friends who have had sex and regretted it. I am there for them as a shoulder to cry on, and support them. I’ve had friends who’ve had sex and had no regrets. I congratulate them and support them. I have no opinion what other people to choose to do. I do not judge other people based on what they do or do not do. I get it, it’s 2016; people think they should be jumping in beds, and that is fine. The key is to not judge people based on what they choose to do or not to do.

Double standard: Preferably, I’d like to date and ultimately marry a guy with experience. But hey, that is why everyone has their own ideas of what they want.

Side note: Everyone I know tells me that sex is an important, integral, even vital part of a relationship. I understand that. However, choosing to wait requires me to realize that few men will be okay with that. I get that it limits my choices immensely. I think it also weeds out guys who do just want sex. It requires there to be a solid personality compatibility foundation. Here is the catch- I am planning on waiting. This doesn’t mean I will wait until there are two rings on my left ring finger. Maybe there won’t even be one ring, but it would take a long time of dating, I can tell you that.

Waiting or not: Live your life. Don’t let someone’s words get to you. Live the life you want. Don’t forget that you live this life once.