Marriage unnecessary for expressing love
Letter to the Editor
We who read The Observer are frequently subjected to "carpe diem" pieces urging us never to regret that we have not let the people we love know how deeply we care about them. This lifestyle comes into direct conflict with saving sex until marriage.
This is not to say that physical love is the only way a relationship can be complete. However, making love IS without question one of the most incredible and precious thing two people can share together. Why should those who love each other wait to fully express their feelings?
Du Lac tells us that "a complete expression of love through sex requires a commitment of two persons in marriage." To me, the notion that the love two people have for one another is made official only when they are married and that any sex before that — no matter how in love the participants are — is somehow a less "complete" expression of love is ridiculous. And while I realize that this editorial will probably not convince any advocates of abstinence to change their outlook on things, I happen to have my own concept of love for God, and I honestly doubt that on Judgment Day I will be damned for loving someone so much that I wanted to share all of myself with her.
Ultimately, the decision on whether to wait or not is a personal one. I believe the only person you have to answer to is yourself, and I do agree that too many people rush into things they're not ready for and then regret it later. Regardless, I urge you: Don't wait until it's too late to let another person know how much they mean to you; it will only lead to regret and pain.
To love someone is to give all of yourself to that person, and to look at your partner at the end of it all and feel sublimely happy because you've shared something so incredible that neither of you will ever be the same again.
Love is a precious gift. Are you ready to accept it?
Jeff Eyerman Freshman
O'Neill Hall January 24, 2000
All Viewpoint Stories for Tuesday, January 25, 2000
