DEAR HARRIETTE: I’m a 20-year-old virgin. I’m not ashamed of it, and it’s not because of religious values -- I just have not found the right person I want to share the experience with. My friends tease me about it and tell me to just do it already, but I just don’t want to. I tell my friends that I’m waiting around until I find the right guy I want to do it with, but how will I know he is the right guy? Do you think I am doing the right thing, or should I follow what my friends are saying and just “do it already"? -- Debating Celibacy, Richmond, Virginia
DEAR DEBATING CELIBACY: It is refreshing to know that there still are young women out there who are remaining celibate for sound reasons. I celebrate you for holding out until you meet the one. I believe that sexual intimacy should be reserved for a loving, committed relationship. It is such an intimate act that it should be considered sacred -- or at least special.
I know that plenty of people do not agree with me, but I am glad that you do. Since your friends are mocking you and urging you to follow in their footsteps, the best thing you can do is to stop answering their questions. You should not succumb to their prompting. Take your time and trust that you will meet the right guy at some point in the future.