Has Sex Become Too Casual?

I was raised in a typical Hispanic home where faith and religion were always central points in my upbringing. Being Catholic was indeed part of my family's culture.

Please, no more reality TV!
Eduardo Verástegui: Star with a Purpose
10 Reasons why 'Sex and the City' is far from fabulous

I attended Catholic school, knew how to the pray the rosary and had all Ten Commandments memorized by age 10. I was warned about sins and hell, but I also learned about the sanctity of marriage and the importance of treating your body with the utmost respect.

There is no doubt that certain values have been instilled in me, but like most other young people these days, I went through those moments where I grew tired of the constant guilt trips that are often connected to Catholicism, particularly when it came to the dating scene.

Picture this. You've just met someone you really like. You've been on a few dates and, suddenly, it's time to begin pondering what has become the expected norm in our day and age - sex.

So, do you or don't you? More importantly is the main driving force behind that decision what you truly want, or what you think you should want?

At a time when sex has lost much of its value and become almost as casual as trying on a new outfit, some of us may find ourselves in quite the predicament.

Sex is everywhere. In ads, on TV, in magazines, in our music, you name it. Monkey see, monkey do. It is so much in our faces that some (and I stress some) of us with certain core ethics can't help but question the moral code we've been told to live by all along.

As a result of changing times and what the media puts on display, come the women and men who regard sex as just another form of meaningless pleasure, sort of like shopping or snacking. This only makes the dating world all the more difficult for those who may still believe that sex should mean something.

"Live it up". "Explore". "Enjoy yourself". These are the wonderful phrases everyone loves to throw around as if they were wise sages who have life and all its wonders figured out.

Life isn't a Hollywood movie scene, people. It's not that simple. The aftermath or the potential consequences of that hot, passionate encounter are never featured as part of the entertainment package.

In real life, the plot does not always continue without any setbacks. The truth of the matter is that casual sex comes with its own set of physical, mental and emotional risks whether or not we wish to acknowledge it.

Victoria Q./Terra USA

1 | 2 | Next >