Dr. Laura:
I'm a recovered "unpaid whore." I'm 27 years old and have had to change my social circle entirely after moving out of my boyfriend's apartment. I decided I need to hold myself to a higher standard!
Many of my acquaintances have questioned my decision to no longer live with a man before marriage. They tell me "shacking up" would increase my chances of the marriage actually lasting! These are the same people who think that sleeping around with men after the third date is okay, and women who put their kids in daycare should be praised. I think society has lost its marbles.
Although at times I do get discouraged with dating because the men I'm meeting expect sex after a month of seeing each other, and TRY to treat me like the other unpaid whores, I know having morals and values is the most important thing. So, cheers to the women going against the pack of cheap sex, daycare, and dating mamas boys. I'll continue to hit the gym and focus on the activities and people who really matter.
Without you and my parents voicing opinions against my living with a man before I was married, I would be like the rest of my feminist generation. Thank you for being a voice of reason.
Muriel
