Loss of Innocence

"It is one of the superstitions of the human mind to have imagined that virginity could be a virtue." Voltaire

The Loss of Innocence by Ira Pilgrim May 10, 1996
http://www.mcn.org/c/irapilgrim/psy22.html

It is interesting how certain things can be lost then found again or how certain things can be built upon again and again. However, there are certain things that continue to diminish and once they are gone, they are gone forever. They are irretrievable and while some experiences can re-experienced, the first time will always be the first time. And, there will always be that differentiation between how you were before the experience and how you are after the experience. In this case, loss of innocence is the experience to be focused on. There are many ways to lose innocence, such as witnessing or committing acts of cruelty. Most people though associate loss of innocence with the loss of virginity. Everyone who has lost their virginity has had their own unique experience spanning a range of emotions: joy, disappointment, excitement, fear, shame, disgrace, release, etc. Some people regret that they let this moment go in a cheap, no strings attached fashion. Some people are pleased that they waited till they were in a comfortable, loving relationship. Innocence cannot be regained or reformed. It seems as though for some that still have their innocence do all that they can to get rid of it and once they do all they want is to get it back.