He's still a virgin and not exactly thrilled about it

Dear Dave,Just about all of my friends tell me they have had sex.We are all 16 and 17. I haven't even got close to it. I would like to, but haven't had the opportunity. Is this normal?-- VIRGIN GUYDear VIRGIN GUY,Don't be worried about losing your virginity. It'll happen when it happens, and it shouldn't be on your mind all the time. Everyone has different ideas of sexuality and dating, so don't compare yourself to others. Is there any big rush?I can understand why you might feel pressure. Your friends are talking about it, getting involved with girls, and you feel like an outsider. But rushing into sex can be unfulfilling. The true joy of sex is the intimacy you share with someone you care for, someone you love. Don't jump into sex because you want to get it over with -- that just feels scuzzy.You're normal, dude. If you're nervous around girls or worried about dating, get out there and ask that girl out you've been eyeing. Be confident and courageous. Good luck!Editors: Jewel is under the weather this week. Following is a letter and response from the past.DEAR JEWEL,I'm a young bride-to-be facing major problems. My wedding day isn't here yet and my bridesmaids are already upset with me. They say I'm stingy because I am not paying for their dresses.My fiance and I are putting in a lot of effort to create our perfect summer wedding. I just don't have the means to pay for their dresses. But I don't want them to be upset with me. Are they right in acting like this? What should I do?-- BRIDE-TO-BEDEAR BRIDE-TO-BE.It's wedding season and across the land countless couples are playing out their dreams.But as we all know, life is full of little glitches and things do not always go according to plan. This rule applies especially to weddings.When chums forego their responsibilities, it can get really messy.The origin of the bridesmaid dates back to ancient Greece, when clusters of happily married women would escort brides-to-be to their weddings.The idea was that their good fortune would rub off on the blushing bride. Their presence would also ward off evil. Today, though, financial concerns can get in the way of tradition.Nobody likes to be labeled a cheapo and I can see why you're feeling hurt. So how should you go about this?According to Marcy Blum and Laura Fisher Kaiser, authors of "Weddings for Dummies," "Traditionally, attendants are responsible for buying or renting their clothes, but sometimes you may buy a particular item as a gift, such as designer shoes for the bridesmaids or waist-coats for the ushers."However, they also advise that "if your taste in attendants' garb runs to the extravagant you must chip in (at the least) for anything that is above moderate pricing."That said, don't let others pressure you into going the extra yard. You're the one who should ultimately decide the amount of cash you fork out.After all, it is your special day. And if you're lucky, your friends will come around and see things your way.(Got a hot question for our cool columnists? E-mail Jewel or Dave at submissions(at)ypp.net or check them out at www.ypp.net.)(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.scrippsnews.com)