So, my questions for you, smogon, are as follows (and please discuss the questions in a group fashion - I mean to start a discussion, and not simply ask for help. Convince me through your personal experiences):
Are you a virgin? If so, then why are you still one? If not, then what made you decide to lose it/give it away?
No, I'm not a virgin. I suppose at the time I felt that it was the right thing to do in the relationship, to really show how I felt about her. I cared deeply for her and wanted her to know by expressing myself in love making.
What are your views on the idea of "casual sex" or, in general, the value of virginity? Is it something worth keeping?
I believe that this is entirely up to the person in question. I don't believe the whole religious philosophy that having sex before marriage is something to be frowned upon (I don't necessarily agree with marriage either, but that's for another topic). I don't think there is much value to be put on virginity. Sex is a natural part of life, and of course someone will always remember their first time, but that's all it really is. The significance comes from the fact that you are willing to share all of yourself to another person, not because its your first time or thirtieth time in doing so. It is only worth keeping if the person in question has some sort of religious or personal view that being a virgin is of importance, otherwise I do not see any significance.
If it is, why do you think it's worth keeping? If not, justify why it's lost its value.
I don't believe there was much value to be placed on virginity in the first place. Society has a way of blowing things out of proportion and this is one of those cases. In earlier periods of time virgins were considered "pure" but that typically only applied to women. It is a double standard that still goes on today. Men are expected to get rid of their virginity as quickly as possible, while women are viewed as sluts for having sex. It is views like this that make me feel that virginity is unimportant. The fact that it is the first time doesn't make it significant to me.
Do you think there's a certain dogma about being a virgin? Is it generally accepted, approved upon, or criticized?
I think society has somewhat picked up on the fact that it really doesn't matter whether someone is a virgin or not. It is not up to anyone except for that person so I don't see why anyone else should care one way or the other. Of course there is that same double standard to consider; guys are usually praised for losing their virginity while girls are considered whores. I certainly think that society is becoming more accepting, but it still has a long way to go.
If you are not a virgin, what would you say to a virgin friend who is considering giving it up? Would you encourage them to lose it or keep it, and why?
I would tell them to think it over and make sure that they really want to do this. There shouldn't be any pressure to rush into losing their virginity. I would much rather have my friend experience a long fulfilling relationship than to have it cut short because they had sex way too early. I would say to listen to their conscience and to do it when they feel the time is right. Friends can help out by being passive but still supportive. I think it is unfair to encourage them to lose it or keep it.
What emotional and relational requirements do you think there are for being ready to have sex for the first time?
Once again, this differs from person to person. For the most part, I believe people should wait until they are in a serious relationship before they consider losing it. Usually people are quite young when they lose it and this is probably the best way of having less regrets than having a one night stand influenced by peers or drugs. All I can say is if you don't feel ready, you probably aren't. The fact that being a virgin isn't significant, these requirements should always be heavily considered when someone is thinking about having sex.
Are you a virgin? If so, then why are you still one? If not, then what made you decide to lose it/give it away?
No, I'm not a virgin. I suppose at the time I felt that it was the right thing to do in the relationship, to really show how I felt about her. I cared deeply for her and wanted her to know by expressing myself in love making.
What are your views on the idea of "casual sex" or, in general, the value of virginity? Is it something worth keeping?
I believe that this is entirely up to the person in question. I don't believe the whole religious philosophy that having sex before marriage is something to be frowned upon (I don't necessarily agree with marriage either, but that's for another topic). I don't think there is much value to be put on virginity. Sex is a natural part of life, and of course someone will always remember their first time, but that's all it really is. The significance comes from the fact that you are willing to share all of yourself to another person, not because its your first time or thirtieth time in doing so. It is only worth keeping if the person in question has some sort of religious or personal view that being a virgin is of importance, otherwise I do not see any significance.
If it is, why do you think it's worth keeping? If not, justify why it's lost its value.
I don't believe there was much value to be placed on virginity in the first place. Society has a way of blowing things out of proportion and this is one of those cases. In earlier periods of time virgins were considered "pure" but that typically only applied to women. It is a double standard that still goes on today. Men are expected to get rid of their virginity as quickly as possible, while women are viewed as sluts for having sex. It is views like this that make me feel that virginity is unimportant. The fact that it is the first time doesn't make it significant to me.
Do you think there's a certain dogma about being a virgin? Is it generally accepted, approved upon, or criticized?
I think society has somewhat picked up on the fact that it really doesn't matter whether someone is a virgin or not. It is not up to anyone except for that person so I don't see why anyone else should care one way or the other. Of course there is that same double standard to consider; guys are usually praised for losing their virginity while girls are considered whores. I certainly think that society is becoming more accepting, but it still has a long way to go.
If you are not a virgin, what would you say to a virgin friend who is considering giving it up? Would you encourage them to lose it or keep it, and why?
I would tell them to think it over and make sure that they really want to do this. There shouldn't be any pressure to rush into losing their virginity. I would much rather have my friend experience a long fulfilling relationship than to have it cut short because they had sex way too early. I would say to listen to their conscience and to do it when they feel the time is right. Friends can help out by being passive but still supportive. I think it is unfair to encourage them to lose it or keep it.
What emotional and relational requirements do you think there are for being ready to have sex for the first time?
Once again, this differs from person to person. For the most part, I believe people should wait until they are in a serious relationship before they consider losing it. Usually people are quite young when they lose it and this is probably the best way of having less regrets than having a one night stand influenced by peers or drugs. All I can say is if you don't feel ready, you probably aren't. The fact that being a virgin isn't significant, these requirements should always be heavily considered when someone is thinking about having sex.