Whether it is due to abstinence, fear of physical intimacy, or not having found someone you've clicked with enough to be vulnerable yet, quite a number of people are still holding on to their virginity card well into their late 20s. Putting aside those who practice celibacy in the name of religion, there's a certain stigma around being a virgin and how it has somehow evolved into a rat race of who've lost it quicker.

It doesn't really matter, of course, but understandably, it could trigger a few self-doubting issues within an individual who has yet to experience it. If you're one of them, here's why you shouldn't worry: 

Sex doesn't need to be the main focus right now

If still not losing your virginity card happens to be a touchy subject for you, drop that mentality. Instead, redirect that focus into your career or personal goals 

It doesn't define you 

Your sexual activities, or lack thereof, shouldn't be a part of your personality. Virginity, at its best, is a mere social construct that carries little to no meaning in the grand scheme of things, if we're being completely honest. 

Waiting for the right time can be rewarding

There's nothing wrong with being the kind of individual to wait for the right person or circumstances, as long as you're not building up unrealistically high expectations for your first time. Sex is, after all, a sacred exchange of emotional and physical energy and it's completely okay to be a little choosy with whom you share such energy. 

There's absolutely no rush

Some may sex is a rite of passage that ultimately leads to adulthood, but it doesn't need to hold such a significant pinpoint in your life. Some people can't even remember the person they've first had sex with! So really, take it easy. 

It's not even a problem!

Oh, you're a virgin in your late 20s, so what? It's not a race. There are bigger concerns in the world... like climate change, or public celebrity meltdowns. Point is, there's more to life than losing your virginity . 

Times are changing

Unlike a few generations ago, no one is really in the rush to get to the next point in life, whether it's a matter of marriage, pregnancy, career shift, virginity, and more. Everyone is assigned their own timing and it certainly opens a path to a spiritually healthier way of living, especially when you're unfazed by external pressure. The main point is this: only do it when you're ready, not over fear of missing out. 

There are other alternatives to traditional sex

With the existence of advanced sex toys and virtual lovers (hey, no judgments!), the topic of self-pleasure has been more widely explored, leading to advancements in AI and technological developments as well as the ability to emulate sex and intimacy in a digital fashion. Artificial sexuality isn't something exactly new, and practices such as sex surrogacy could further be studied if given enough exposure (although we're not sure how legal and ethical it actually is). 

Asexuality exists

There are individuals who naturally have a lack of sexual interest in others, and it's completely normal. 

Ultimately, sex is a pleasure and therefore should best be performed when you're truly enjoying it. In the meantime, there's always masturbation! We'd say don't worry too much as it should happen whenever you're truly ready, whenever that is.