“I’m a virgin.” While this may seem like the sentence from Hell that no human being wants to admit to, it really is not the big, earth-shattering reality that people make it out to be. In fact, it is just the opposite. While it may seem like everybody is doing it, being in college and still having your virginity is something to be proud of. As a freshman, I can attest to the fact that many other freshmen came here with notions of grandeur about losing their “V-card.” Unfortunately, I am sure many were initially disappointed because it is not, in fact, a card. Instead, it is something that does change who you are, despite the naysayers.
Lately, The Huffington Post and Buzzfeed have been filled with articles focusing on the idea of a “Hookup Culture,” in which relationships are replaced with one night stands and actual feelings are replaced with undecipherable texts. For some, this may be the greatest way to have a fun, guiltless night, but for the rest of us who do not want to spend way more time than necessary trying to figure out where we stand with someone, let’s steer clear. This newly defined “culture” is the perfect opportunity for those who desperately want to lose that card. However, while this opportunity may seem flawless, the potential aftermath may not be so crystal clear.
On such a small campus, news, good or bad, can travel pretty fast. Imagine walking through Gaige the next morning, not really sure of who knows or does not know about your previous night’s endeavors. As a first time thing, any insecurity should be enough to put up a red flag. Granted, there is no way it will be perfect, but there are ways around the uncomfortable encounters afterwards. For instance, knowing your partner. It may seem silly, but if your chosen partner is someone you have known for two hours and four drinks, it may be safe to say that they are not the best choice. All too often, this type of hookup happens and one or both people regret it or maybe do not even remember. It may not be the best in the world, but you should definitely be able to remember it, and sadly, many do not.
So while be a V-word may not appear to be the coolest, be sure to keep in mind what has gone wrong for other people who desperately wanted rid of their title. Wear your title with pride, and when the time comes, either tonight or two semesters from now, be sure that you can really trust your partner and trust yourself enough to know whether or not you really are ready. It may seem like all the cool kids do it, but do not forget to remember how many of those cool kids have their regrets about it. Being a virgin or not does not make you a better or worse person, and when the time comes, just be able to trust yourself.