A good start is half the battle

This post was inspired by a sad program I saw on the TV about a guy with painfully low self-esteem. At the age of 26, he never had even touched a woman and he had to go on an intimacy course in Amsterdam to help him overcome his problems.

Anyway, having been more familiar with his plight than I'd care to admit, I got to thinking (which is dangerous at the best of times!). For healthy development as an individual, it really is important to get off the mark in line with your peers. Once you reach a certain age without having had your first kiss, "tit through a jumper", sex etc., the anxiety and self-doubt builds up. After all, you're now at an age where you're supposed to have that experience. The longer it goes on, the worse it gets, and before you know it, you've touched down at Schiphol airport! What is needed at this point is a very understanding partner to get you off and running.

The graph above shows the ideal ages for various rites of passage - first kiss, first bout of petting (I hate that word!) and devirginisation! Although youngsters seem to be starting earlier and earlier these days, I think you're better off waiting until it means something to you.