Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter

Twenty-seven-year-old George Greenis not a born-again Christian but has managed to keep his virginity up to today.

But in a culture where manhood is determined by sexual prowess and promiscuity, Green feels left out.

"I am not sure why I'm still a virgin. It's a mixture of shyness (taking conversations with women to that next level) and lack of practice in getting that close to women in the first place," Green tells Saturday Life.

He adds: "I've never been on an actual date. I consider a date to be something you go on with somebody who isn't a bona fide friend, a co-worker or even an acquaintance. So in terms of meeting a young lady for the first time, exchanging numbers and then going out for drinks like a week later, I've never done that."

No longer proud

Green says he is no longer proud to be a virgin.

"When I was between 16 and about 22, it was cool, because it seemed like everyone was 'doing it', especially in the crowds I hung around at high school and at the University of the West Indies.

"I'd never join like an abstinence campaign now or anything like that because when you're 16 that's one thing; when you're 27, and a man at that, that's completely different," he relates.

Green has revealed his status to some of his female friends while others have figured it out by themselves, based on conversations that they have had.

"Most of them are surprised that I am, but don't exactly offer to help me change my status," Green says, adding that the majority think it's a positive lifestyle.

"But a few question whether I might be gay and a few others think I'm lying," he tells Saturday Life.

Wants to give in

Green says although he has waited this long, he wants to give in before he gets married.

"I'm aware that there are some virgins out there who are my age, but what are my odds of finding one? More than likely, if I get married at all anyway, I'll end up with someone more experienced than I am, which isn't hard considering I have no experience whatsoever.

"I can't bear the thought of not being able to satisfy her so I think I need to get my practice in now," he tells Saturday Life.

Green says he feels left out whenever he is around his male friends, as he is usually the one without a story.

"That sucks! It no longer feels like, 'Yes I've held out, congratulate me'. Now it feels like, 'You idiot, you haven't done anything yet, what's wrong with you?'" he says.

And what does Green do when he has urges?

"I'm kind of ashamed to admit this but I do the self-love thing (masturbate). I don't even like to use the 'm' word. My dilemma is that when I'm done, I feel dirty and ashamed of myself.

"Sometimes I just get upset with myself, chastise myself aggressively, constantly tell myself I'm a freak and that kills the urge, but only for a while," he shares.

History of infidelity

Green says another factor which has influenced his celibacy is his father's history of infidelity.

"He cheats a lot but she (Green's mother) can't bother getting divorced. I don't want to be that kind of guy who just approaches every girl looking to bed her, and, just by genetics, I think I might have that in me.

"I honestly feel like part of my problem has been that I've been holding back. I'd also like to add that I have no intention of going to a prostitute; that's not an option," Green says.

Name withheld

Are you a male virgin? Tell us about the joys or struggles of remaining celibate. Your identity will NOT be revealed. Email saturdaylife@gleanerjm.com.