Whoa, I wrote you a novel. I'm sorry.
I think quite a bit of promiscuity goes back to parents tell their kids not to have sex, and because they're forbidden to do it, so to speak, that's why they do it. Kids see it as "bad" and that they're "not allowed," so as soon as they can, they take the path of actions that will lead them to gaining a label as a slut or a whore. They think that having sex is going to hurt their parents or guardians, when in reality, it's simply a matter of self respect. Think of how many girls have their hearts broken just because they wanted more than the boy did. It's pathetic and I think that if more parents taught their children self respect, we'd have a different outcome. Yes, I realize this has nothing to do with your entry, but it was simply thoughts that were spawned by your words.
I am in no way an advocate for abstinence. I've never waited until marriage to have sex, but I am also not a slut, nor have I been with that many men (in fact, two of the ones I can count, I've married). Sex is always something I've chosen to do for me, not because I've felt pressured, nor because I thought it was the "cool" thing to do. However, I can say that I've been a completely different person with each man I've been with. Now, I'm proud to say that I'm what I call a monogamous slut. I'm in a marriage that's full of love, passion, and a desire for one another, and if you were to give me the dirtiest, most whorish thing that you've either done or heard of, I've either done it with my husband, or I've just added it to our checklist to make sure that we do try it someday. Although I've never regret my past, the relationships of love were worth more than the others and because of this, my future looks pretty damn bright, I'm happy to say.
My respect for you jumped completely when I read this (not that it was ever low - I adore you). I love that you were so open with the things that you feel and have felt and that you're confident to no longer sell yourself short of what every woman deserves. No one deserves to be cast aside like trash and a man who is only willing to be with a woman because of sex and not open himself up to the other, amazing things life has to offer isn't worth it for a second. We all deserve to be loved, to be swept off our feet, and we all deserve to have someone not only "make love" to our bodies, but to want to satisfy us mentally and emotionally as well. I'm glad that it's something you've decided for yourself and I believe that's the first step to getting it.