Dear Editor:

(Re: “Sex worth waiting for in the long run,” Life & Times, Feb. 16) Before we throw all of our eggs into the “marriage” basket, let’s consider this: In 2002, the U.S. Census Bureau reported a 50 percent divorce rate. It has since dropped to 40 percent and kicked right back up again.

Americans just have a rough time committing. Benjamin Clapper writes, “There is no baggage with marital sex.” What about the baggage a husband brought home to his wife of 18 years: a number of STDs he picked up from his 13-month affair with a prostitute, which left his wife’s life in danger and children emotionally wrecked forever.

That is marital baggage.

Baggage is an “emotional” affair that leaves a big black hole in the marital bedroom.

Baggage comes in the form of a spouse becoming a monster the second the reception hall empties. Marriage can be beautiful, but don’t fool yourself. The only person you know you will be with until the day you die is you.

So please yourself. If that means having sex long before marriage, then so be it. And if it means saving your “purity” for whomever you believe to be the The One, fine.

It is neither your place nor mine to criticize anyone’s preference for the context of his or her sexual relationships.

Jodi San Lucas, keep on writing. Loyola readers are old enough to use discretion.

Sincerely,

Amy Hinkler

Mass communication senior