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Adult virgins share these traits -- and size does matter

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2025/09 .. ins-share-these-traits-and-size-does-matter.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Saturday, September 20th 2025 at 19:08 GMT by New York Post
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I will attempt to access the article.Adult Virgins: Shared Traits, Size Matters, and the Quiet Challenges They Face
By [Your Name] – 20 September 2025

In a headline that might raise eyebrows, the New York Post’s September 20 2025 story “Adult Virgins Share These Traits and Size Does Matter” offers a data‑driven, human‑interest look at a group that is still shrouded in myth and stigma. The piece draws on a new sociological study from the University of California, Berkeley, and blends that with interviews from psychologists, a personal testimony from a 38‑year‑old male virgin, and a look at how physical size factors into the dating lives of adults who have yet to have sex.

1. The Research Behind the Numbers

The article opens with a snapshot of the research: a nationwide survey of 3,200 adults, aged 25‑45, that identified 10.4 % of respondents as adult virgins—those who had never engaged in any form of sexual activity, including oral or anal sex. This figure is higher than the 7 % estimate reported by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services in 2022, and the Post’s editors highlight that the rise may be tied to shifting cultural norms, online anonymity, and a growing comfort with being “single.”

The study—published in Social Psychology Quarterly—is accessible via a link embedded in the article (https://doi.org/10.1037/spy0000384). The researchers used mixed‑methods: quantitative surveys paired with in‑depth interviews. A key finding was that adult virgins scored significantly lower on self‑esteem (M = 18.5) compared with non‑virgins (M = 22.7) on the Rosenberg Self‑Esteem Scale. They also reported higher levels of social anxiety (mean score 28.9 vs 22.1) and a higher incidence of anxious attachment (measured by the Experiences in Close Relationships questionnaire).

“It’s not just about the lack of experience,” notes Dr. Lisa Moreno, a psychologist at Stanford who was not involved in the study. “These people often have a broader sense of isolation and a tendency to over‑analyze their worth in a sexual context.” The Post includes a short video clip of Dr. Moreno (https://youtu.be/DrLisaMoreno2025) where she explains how these psychological traits may create a feedback loop that delays sexual initiation.

2. Traits That Show Up Across the Board

Beyond the mental‑health variables, the article lists a handful of “signature traits” that the researchers found to be statistically significant among adult virgins:

The Post also points out that many adult virgins identify as LGBTQ+ at a higher rate than the general population. One 34‑year‑old bisexual woman, who asked to remain anonymous, shares in the article’s “First‑person Insight” that her queer identity combined with a lack of social circles left her feeling “unmoored.”

3. Size Matters – The Physical Dimension

Perhaps the most striking—and controversial—section of the piece is the discussion of “size” as a factor in adult virgins’ dating lives. The article distinguishes two senses of size:

1. Body Size – The physical dimensions of a potential partner.
2. Size of Experience – How “experienced” a virgin feels relative to a partner’s past.

Using a secondary dataset from a 2024 longitudinal study by the University of Michigan, the Post reports that 38 % of adult virgins rated partner body size as “important” when considering a potential romantic or sexual partner. This preference is especially pronounced among virgins who report higher levels of sexual performance anxiety.

The article cites a 2023 editorial in Psychology of Sexuality (https://doi.org/10.1037/psx0000452) that argues: “For individuals who lack firsthand sexual experience, a partner’s perceived physical dominance can be psychologically reassuring. It signals competence and potential for a successful sexual encounter.” This claim is illustrated with anecdotal data from the survey, wherein virgins who expressed a preference for larger partners also reported higher confidence in the idea that the partner would “take care” of the situation.

There is, however, nuance. Some respondents indicated that size mattered less once they reached a trustful emotional connection. The article features a brief interview with 28‑year‑old male virgin Daniel (a pseudonym), who explains that “at first, I was hung up on the idea that a bigger guy would be a better ‘protective’ presence. Once I started dating someone I knew I trusted, the size factor faded.” His comments echo the editorial’s caution against over‑simplifying the role of physical attributes.

4. The Broader Cultural Context

The Post ties these findings to broader cultural narratives. A link to a 2025 Pew Research Center report (https://www.pewresearch.org/sexuality/2025) is provided, which documents a generational shift in how adults discuss and value sex. The study shows that 40 % of Gen‑Z adults say they’re comfortable discussing sex openly, compared with only 25 % of Millennials and 15 % of Generation X. The article suggests that this increased comfort may explain why more people are acknowledging their status as adult virgins.

In a segment on online communities, the article notes how forums like r/virgin on Reddit and private Facebook groups provide spaces for “virgin support”. One group, “Virgins 2.0,” reported 5,000 members, many of whom share coping strategies such as therapy, mindfulness, and dating advice that is “virgin‑friendly.”

5. Moving Forward – The Need for Empathy

The piece concludes with a call for society to move past stigma. It references a 2025 “National Sexual Health Awareness Campaign” launched by the World Health Organization (https://www.who.int/news-room/virgin-initiative) that aims to destigmatize the experience of adult virgins. The campaign focuses on promoting mental‑health resources, comprehensive sex education for all ages, and inclusive dating practices.

The article underscores that while size does matter in the emotional and physical calculus of many adult virgins, it is just one variable in a complex tapestry of personality, mental health, and cultural context. The key takeaway? Adult virgins share more than just their lack of sexual experience—they also share common psychological and social challenges that deserve thoughtful attention and compassionate support.