OK - While we're being candid and brave....
*prays you don't all flame me beyond recognition after this*
I think everyone who knows me knows that I love my dear Mr. Edge very much. We have been a couple for 12 years (with one half year breakup in 2000). So what I am about to say has nothing to do with how I feel about him, it's just what I honestly think, and I have never been one to keep my mouth shut.
I admire you steadfast virgins very much, and appreciate your very sound reasons for remaining viriginal. You certainly have more physical and moral fortitude than I!! I also agree that sex is way to commercial, and that too much emphasis is placed on coupledom and beauty.
HOWEVER. I still think it's a good idea to experiment and have fun before you get married. Maybe I'm just a big slut, but I am 30 years old (almost 31! GAH!), and have been with the same man for my entire 20s. I never even had a boyfriend in my teens. My first kiss was at 19 (by a guy in the American Airforce, who promptly dumped me for a blonde aerobics instructor)!! (see why I have low self esteem???) I had NO BOYFRIENDS, NO EXPERIMENTATION, and NO OAT SEWING. Hell, I didn't even get asked to the prom! (am I bitter? nah!)
Now while it's wonderful to meet your partner so early in life, and being married has so many advantages, there are some distinct drawbacks to this that I'd like to warn you about.
There are a lot of gorgeous ppl out there, both physically and personality wise. I can't tell you how often I have been propositioned and tempted by fabulous men and been bitter as a crate of lemons because I am "not allowed" to indulge these fantasies. One day I will be REALLY old and ugly and no one will want me anymore, so this won't matter, but for now, I just watch you guys and think about how lucky you are to be just starting out on these romantic adventures.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for marriage and commitment, but I also believe that we love different people for different reasons, that you can have several soul mates, and that sexual attraction does not stop when you go down the aisle.
All I'm saying is please enjoy yourselves when you have the chance, so when you do enter into a "permanent" relationship, you can settle down knowing you haven't missed out on anything and you have made your decision having lived and loved to your full potential.
Thank you for listening to my first ever Zoo Confessional.
P.S. I also think flirting, even for married ppl is healthy and normal and I am a HUGE flirt. HAH!!!
[This message has been edited by Mrs. Edge (edited 02-27-2002).]