jenx67 and Dave, I'm so sorry for the delayed response! Too much travel and lots of deadlines really throw me off track, when it comes to staying on top of responding to blog comments. Anyway...better late than never? :)

jenx67, yes, the level of discussion on this post has really blown me away. I am honored and blessed to know so many thoughtful, wise people. And I couldn't agree more with what you said here: "What does Jesus want from us? I think more than anything - for us to know how very much He loves us. When we begin to fully know this, so many other things begin to fall into place."

Dave, thanks for letting us know about your post on the same topic. I love hearing different perspectives and personal stories around an issue. I guess that's maybe my main point—that different scenarios and different people call for different decision-making tactics. The person you really wanted to have sex with at 21 happened to be (it seems) a wonderful life-long match for you; the person I wanted to have sex with at 21, didn't. So do we encourage everyone who *thinks* they've met "The One" to dive into marriage? And if it's not "across the board applicable," as you say, then why write an article for Christianity Today as if it is the right way for everyone?