VIRGIN (again), Jessica, Age 20 Columbus, OH

1. What is your definition of "virginity?": absolute purity about anything.

2. How is virginity different (or the same) as sexual purity? virginity is something you're born with, even as naivete, but sexual purity is a choice, and a conscience effort.

3. What convinced you to stop having sex, and wait? my husband left me the summer of 2002. when i realized that our whole relationship was based on this i vowed to never disspoint myself and my God again by starting out another the same way.

4. What types of physical intimacy are permissable for you and in what situation? i know that i have low self control, therefore, i can only allow myself hand holding and hugs right now. i try to avoid "alone" time as often as possible.

5. Is it hard to wait, since you have had sex before? (and how do you avoid letting it get out of control in a relationship? it's one of the hardest things i have had to deal with, harder because my friends have either never had sex, or are still doing it. i have to severely limit my physical contact with people and right now i think i keep it under control by staying out of a relationship.

6. Do you believe your standards are best for everyone? i think the law of God is best for everyone, and right now, that's where my standards are. however, personally, i have to keep my self far more limited than some people can, and if you are able to kiss someone and not feel the undeniable urge to sleep with them, i won't try to make you feel bad about kissing your partner.

7. What would you say to someone who thinks they need to experience sex or multiple partners before settling down with one person? i would have to ask why they feel that need, because a lot more than "experience" is on the line, like reputation, and self esteem, and self worth. i would say it's not worth thinking about one guy when you're in bed with another and another. it desensitizes you to the emotional bonding that sex really is and could definitely make it impossible to ever really "settle down".