After watching Episode 5 and with the introduction of Doug, it made me wonder whether I could be with someone and abstain from sex prior to getting married, personally I really couldn't (and no, I'm not a nympth!).

Sex and that *physical connection* is a big part of any successful longterm relationship, being comfortable together and knowing each other to that degree is essential so as to know whether that person is a good match, and future wife/husband material?

I also don't think you can know or judge how essential that closeness is to a relationship until you've had sex.

On a slightly different note (and as a strong athiest) I also personally think that its rather ridiculous that a religion/family pressure prompts this, not simply personal preference.

Discuss, and don't be afraid to be honest!

Exactly, its a little like legalising cannabis, it would take away the mystery and perhaps not tempt kids to explore it before knowing more about it.

I actually feel the same about religion, its highly unfair for parents/teachers/schooling to force a religion on their children without allowing the kids to decide for themselves...and of course religion is at the root of this 'sex before marriage'.

...particularly as religion has no proven scientific fact, nor should be permitted to be taught in schools...

Out of curiosity Mac, why don't you want to express your view?

Fair do's, but feel free to open up if you wish to - all here will respect your opinions.

I think that sex (heterosexual or homosexual) is perfectly natural and people should be free to make their own decisions regarding who and when. 

In some ways I admire the basic idea that Doug wants to give something to his wife that he has never given to anyone before but I think that this is also very idealistic. I wouldnt want to marry someone I hadnt lived with and someone I did not know in every way and to me sex is a part of that.

When I was younger I did believe that I wouldn't have sex before marriage, but I think that was just because I had been taught that that was the right way. I don't feel that way any more, but I do believe that you should be quite committed to somebody emotionally before comitting to them physically in that way. Maybe that's just me, but of course I respect other peoples views as well! I also disagree with how sex and relationships are sometimes portrayed in the media. I find that some Tv programmes, films etc make it seem more of a right of passage than anything to do with feelings, and also put a lots of pressure on young people to have lost their virginity.. Even on shipwrecked yesterday, I felt that when the sharks told Doug "don't worry you're not the only virgin" that they definately thought it was a bad thing for him to be a virgin, and I don't think anyone should be made to feel like that (though of course he may well not have taken anything from that comment!)

Sex is a very very big subject.

I have never married.

It is interesting that the thread title suggests over 18 material. Is waiting until around aged 18 achievable nowadays?

It is often in the media that the UK has the highest rates for teenage pregnancies. A recent news item on a radio programme reported that young people felt pressured to lose their virginity by peers. "Have you lost your virginity yet? What a burden

Sex sells and is every where. Teenage soaps are imported about teenage relationships which is another pressure. The characters in these soaps often being much more mature than the age range they portray.

I don't think people should get married unless they want to.

Saying this I don't believe it is a very healthy lifestyle, (physically or psychologically)  to have sex with anyone and everyone for a prolonged amount of time.

I think waiting until after 18 seems to be very unusual now.. I'm 18 and I'd say only about 5% of the people I know of my age are still virgins - possibly even less.