Having sex is OK and completely natural, and waiting to have sex until marriage is OK as well. However, it’s important for everyone to understand that skipping from the dating stage to marriage just to have sex is setting them up for failure.

I’m not saying that no college student should ever get a pet. I’m saying that you should consider waiting to get one until you’re sure you can provide for yourself and your pet without making incredible sacrifices for either.

It’s the beginning of a potential blossoming relationship, and all you feel are butterflies. This could be it. This could be the one. He seems perfect on paper, and the chemistry is undeniable … but you two greatly differ when it comes to your interests, hobbies, future goals and, most importantly, individual value systems. It’s so common to force compatibility despite those contrasting elements and to pursue a relationship anyway, but don’t sacrifice key pieces of yourself just to be perceived as a suitable partner.