rainfletcher: Hi Val,

Great post.

In western religions (and maybe others), there is a clear distinction between vaginal penetration, and 'everything else'.

If you go to the average youth group at the average church, you'll find frequent discussions on 'how far is too far?' That is, is kissing my boyfriend OK? Is touching each other OK? Etc. etc. And the answers are all over the board, really. But the answer on vaginal penetration usually consistent regardless of the religion (western religion).

I'm not particularly religious, but I can sort of see the point. I think vaginal penetration is a different thing than everything else. If that's true, then it's only natural that there should be different criteria for when it is and is not OK.

I am currently living with my girlfriend, we are not married, but we are (at least occasionally) having sex. I see no problem with this. We were having sex within a few weeks of meeting each other. i see no problem in this, either. But I can understand and respect those who decide to wait (or at least try to..:))