Dear Annie: Iâm worried Iâll never lose my virginity because I have no experience

Dear Annie: I’m a 16-year-old girl who will turn 17 in four months. I just started my junior year of high school; school’s busy, but I’m doing a pretty good job so far.

My dilemma is that I’m worried that I’ll never lose my virginity in my 20s because I don’t have “experience.” And whenever I read stuff about people saying that they don’t want to be with anyone if they’re a virgin, it makes me feel even worse. I’ve never been kissed, and I’ve never had a boyfriend, so whenever I think about it, I get upset and my mind starts to spiral. Sometimes, with the way things are going now with dating, I start thinking that I’ll never find someone without wearing revealing clothing or hooking up with every guy that I meet.

I know that you’ll probably say, “Just focus on school.” Which I am trying to do since I’m aiming to get all A’s my junior year. But for me, when you don’t have any relationship experience and you don’t want to settle just to lose your virginity to any boy, it tends to be frustrating, especially with how boys these days can be. What should I do? — Teen With No Experience

Dear Teen: Focusing on school is always sound advice, but it’s perfectly normal to also want a romantic relationship. Unfortunately, high school boys are usually not as mature as high school girls. Keep an open mind, but don’t fall into the trap of believing the way things are in high school is the way that they will be forever.

High school is really just the beginning. You have so many years ahead of you to meet someone worth dating.

Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.

“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].