Lauren Harkins, a 33-year-old virgin from Portland, US, has never been on a date and explains why she is not actively searching for love. Despite societal expectations, Lauren is content with her lifestyle choices and believes that relationships are not necessary for a happy life. Her disinterest in dating began in high school and was further solidified by the loss of her father in 2006. Lauren has consciously chosen to remain single and has found fulfillment in her independence.
Lauren describes her twenties as a confusing time when she prioritized career and personal goals over relationships. She observed that none of her friends in relationships lived lives she wanted to emulate, so she decided to follow her own path. “I’ve never looked to others as a marker for how my life is going to play out but have instead chosen to follow my own intuition on what is best for me at any given time,” she explained. As an only child, Lauren has no strong desire to marry or have children but remains open to finding a partner if the right person comes along.
Lauren’s unique perspective extends to her lifestyle, which she describes as goal-oriented and emotionally independent. She values her freedom and enjoys traveling and experiencing new cultures. Recently, she has visited Morocco, Peru, the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Supported by her late father’s trust fund, Lauren spends her time traveling and focusing on social media, where she shares her experiences and perspectives.
Despite her confidence, Lauren acknowledges that her choices confuse some people online. She finds herself in a unique position, as she doesn’t fit neatly into traditional or modern feminist categories. “It’s like I’m too traditional for the feminists but not traditional enough for the traditional people – so I am trying to break that barrier,” she said. By sharing her story, Lauren aims to destigmatize her lifestyle and provide a voice for those who don’t fit into conventional categories.
Lauren has received hundreds of messages from people in similar situations, which she finds encouraging. “I am of sound mind and body, I’m not socially awkward or repressed, and quite normal despite my unique lifestyle,” she said. Through her social media presence, Lauren hopes to help others understand that being a virgin by choice doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with her. She emphasizes the importance of having high standards in all aspects of life and is determined to live life on her own terms.
