I cannot tell you how grateful and proud I am to be able to say that I am a 18 year old woman who has not had sex, not saying I haven't had plenty of opportunities, I just didn't feel ready. Sex is something that is a lot like love, when you know you know, but you can't force the feeling to be there if your body, mind, and spirit aren't ready for it. I was a high school cheerleader for 3 years, and I can say that by our senior year, I was one of two girls out of twelve that had not had sex. Having sex in high school I believe is a large mistake, for many reasons. 1. Your body may be ready but that doesn't mean your mind is. 2. It puts more strain on a relationship than many teen girls are ready or willing to deal with. 3. It is a precious gift that you can only give away once and most teenage boys or older guys that are willing to pursue teenage girls are not worthy of receiving. Girls mature faster than boys and teenage males don't realize what an emotional change it can have on a woman, or their relationship. I know that every person has to choose their own ways of life, but honestly, I think that waiting until you are at least out of high school and in a committed relationship is completely worth it, and the right way to go. My boyfriend and I have been best friends for 3 years and are getting married this summer and I am glad that I waited for this to happen with him, and that he is the kind of guy who can wait for me until I am ready. Sex is not, and should never be, the deciding factor of a working relationship. It is because of him and his love that I realized the importance of waiting.