Lauren Harkins makes a choice that still surprises people. At 35, she says she has never had sex. She has also never had a partner or even gone on a date. Yet she speaks about it with calm pride, not embarrassment.

First, she frames her decision as self-respect. She puts it alongside other personal boundaries, like not drinking or using substances. She says intimacy matters to her. So she refuses to rush just to match someone else’s timeline.

Then she explains what she does want. She hopes for a committed, long-term partnership someday. However, she does not feel pressure to “catch up,” especially because she does not plan to have children. She would rather wait for a relationship that feels right than force one that doesn’t.

Of course, the internet has opinions. Trolls call her “expired,” accuse her of lying, or label her narcissistic. Lauren shrugs it off. She says people cling to outdated stereotypes, especially the idea that adult virgins must be sheltered, awkward, or religious. She describes herself as spiritual, not traditional, and not interested in hookups either. She prefers balance.

Most of all, Lauren insists on one simple point. She lives on her own timeline. She protects her peace. And she plans to move only when her heart says yes.