Even though l live in Las Vegas, I've never been a huge gambler. I've placed a few bets inside casinos before but nothing crazy. The only bet in life I keep winning is the bet my best friend placed on my sex life - remaining a virgin throughout the years.
My reasoning for remaining a virgin at the age of 32 has never changed: I'm still a virgin because I'm honoring my personal relationship with God and waiting to have sex for the first time until I get married. I made this promise to Him at the age of 14 and I'm still on this journey. I know God has a plan for my life because this right here has been the hardest thing I've ever done.
During high school, two of my closest friends were also virgins. We all made a pact to remain virgins until marriage. After one lost his v-card senior year of high school and the other while in college, I was the last man standing. I still believed I could practice celibacy but I experienced the daily difficulties of growing up in a world full of sex and opportunity.
Let's get back to the bet. For the last seven years, my best friend has proclaimed I would not remain a virgin by the end of the year. It's almost like his annual New Year's resolution - for me to finally get laid. Humbly speaking, I don't need any help in this department. I've had numerous opportunities to have sex with women. However, while staying on this path, I've placed myself in some peculiar situations and almost proved my best friend right.
The Starving Artist: The first time I thought I was ready to have sex happened right after graduating from high school. It was late. Things got a little hot and heavy during the makeout session. Before the point of no return, I stopped everything with her. Straight killed the entire vibe. The ball was in my court and it left me feeling a little blue, literally.
The Experimental Student: There was also the time in college where I had a girl ask me what my favorite sexual position was while laying on my bed. Now, clearly I shouldn't have been in this position but I found myself here. We weren't even talking about anything sexual but I get it. I was able to explain why I didn't have a favorite sexual position - she actually stayed and listened to my reasoning.
The Turn Up Queen: While living single in Las Vegas, I've dated the party socialite and free spirit. We were both living two different lives and wanted two different things. I wanted to settle down with a wife and kids. She wanted to have a good time, all the time. Ultimately, the lack of sex complicated the situation and it didn't work.
So, as you can see, temptation has knocked at my door more than once. The natural desire to have sex is present within my life. I'm a datable, normal dude. My flesh wants things that it cannot have at this time. My soul has been tried and tested over and over. My faith has carried me through and delivered me from my darkest and most vulnerable moments. Quite frankly, if I had it my way, I would have had sex 14 years ago. I love women but my love for God runs deeper.
I know some of you out there are looking at my best friend with the side eye. Don't trip - it's all good. My best friend supports my purpose. He appreciates the fact that I'm authentic and real. He's actually the reason why I'm writing this piece today. Eventually, he will win his silly bet. He will be right and I can't wait for that day...like seriously!
However, that day has to come the right way. It will be a day of great joy, not just because it'll be the expiration date of my virginity. It will be the day God blesses me and I marry HER - the one who is out there somewhere. The one I dream and pray about daily. Finding HER has been quite the journey. No matter what happens in life, I won't give up on HER. I will keep hope alive and believe in HER. You can bet on that!