In the Aug. 29, 2006 edition of the Technician, there appeared in print my debut column “The 20-year-old virgin.” As today is Valentine’s Day, I want to revisit the topic, as I’m now 22. Before you start thinking I no longer hold my “V-card,” let me put to rest any thoughts and say I still have it and, thus far, am glad that I have.

When I wrote my initial column more than a year and half ago, I based most of what I wrote on religious beliefs, life experiences with others, and common sense. However, the manner by which I approached the subject was neither articulate nor appropriate.

When I cited religious beliefs for my choosing to wait, many thought my tone was holier-than-thou, which was not my intent. After visiting the Holy Land this past summer, I realized that while sex is something special between a husband and wife, it isn’t something that condemns people to hell who have chosen not to wait.

Furthermore, after seeing where Christ walked on water, I recognize God loves me and everyone, regardless of what people do to show their affection toward one another. Now, I’m not saying I didn’t know this before I made my voyage to the Middle East, but walking on the grounds of Moses and Matthew made me think about why I believe what I believe. The choice I’ve made thus far in my life to remain abstinent until marriage has been something I have pondered since seeing the Sea of Galilee.

I bring the subject of sex up on this day of romance because I know there are people on this campus and around the world dealing with the decision of whether or not to lose their virginity — it’s important to know you are not alone.

For me, I wonder what, if anything, will be different about me if I have sex before marriage. It could be life-changing or just an event in the course of my everyday life. This is only one of a million things that have gone through my mind over the last six months.

There’s one thing I know for sure — when I do have sex, I want to make sure it’s with someone special; someone I love and someone who loves me. As of now I haven’t found that extraordinary lady. Sex is special, it’s meant to show the deep emotional, physical, and mental attraction between a man and a woman — it’s also a sign of a serious relationship and intimate friendship.

So, on this day filled with love, I encourage everyone to display their devotion for his or her boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife — but do it in a way with which you are comfortable.

I’m confidant that I will know when it’s right for me to lose my virginity and with whom, even if it’s with my wife on my wedding night — but for now, I’m still uncertain. That being said, I know for now I’m content with being the 22-year-old virgin.

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