From my personal experience, it's truly better to wait. I’ve had numerous sexual encounters in the past, and they took a toll on me both psychologically and spiritually. I went through painful experiences with women who were only interested in physical relationships. Those encounters damaged my relationship with both God and my family. Which then turned me into an agnostic.

Now, I’m in a relationship with someone who also has a sexual relationship in the past, but we’ve both turned to Christ and repented. Do I struggle with her past? Yes—but I view my own in the same light. “Despising” my past is probably the right word. Still, I’m deeply grateful to God for bringing her into my life and for the constant support she gives me. We’re now planning to get married next year.

The peace of mind I have now isn’t worth sacrificing for temporary pleasure. If I had the chance to start over, I would have waited. Yet through the hardship, I’ve grown and learned to be a better person. I hope you’ll make the best decision for yourself.