I was close to 19. I had figured I would wait for "the one" and hadn't found him at the time. I had dated, but never really "connected" to know it was "the one" if that makes sense at all.
Then one day I woke up and decided that I wasn't going to wait anymore. (seriously, it was just like that, I just climbed out of bed and thought no more waiting) I was seeing someone, but nothing serious, at least not to me. I went right on ahead and did it.
It was nothing special, not horrible but not great in the slightest and I remember actually thinking that THIS is what all the commotion in the movies/tv is about??
LOL
Afterwards I didn't date him for long......I broke it off because as I said, I didn't feel it was going anywhere anyway.
Why did I waste something so special when I KNEW he wasn't "it"?? I don't know.......but part of me thinks it was just plain old curiosity and impulse. Ya, I can be that way even now.
At the moment I have three teens in the house. I talk openly with them. I have told them the importance of a loving relationship, we speak of it often. I also tell them that it is their choice.
I have
NEVER told them "don't do it" until marriage. That philosophy has never worked since the beginning of time and it isn't going to work now. I DO tell them to be responsible about it, it's not just THEIR future they put on the line, but the future of a possible child.
We have talked (complete with pamphlets and articles) about disease. They know they can come to me and ask for birth control and it will be so. I don't have to like their choice, but I will back them up as long as they are thinking it through and making responsible decisions.