Teens are waiting longer to have sex, according to a new study.

But where are they?

The latest National Survey of Family Growth reports that youths – young men in particular- are waiting longer to have sex. And, for the first time since the survey started in 1973, more teenage girls (47 percent) say they have had sex than boys (46 percent).

Those are interesting findings, but the question still remains: Where have all the virgins gone?

The survey only polled teens between the ages of 15 and 19. So what happens at age 20?

Earlier this year I was trying to write a piece on Simpson students waiting to have sex, specifically looking at Simpson couples who were saving sex for marriage. Stop the presses – I had no luck locating such a couple.

I’d assumed that virginity, for most, slipped out the window when they stumbled upon their first love. Even so, what happened to the die-hard Catholics? The “too Christian for words” religion majors?

Maybe they exist on campus, but, to my surprise, I haven’t found a group of virgins proud of what they practice and preach. There is a lack of pride in virginity. We have groups on campus supporting everything from George W. to tsunami victims – why not celebrate and support virginity?

Although I in no way, shape or form want to be lectured on the benefits of “saving yourself,” I think it’s important to be proud of what you believe in and what you’ve accomplished. People save themselves for any number of reasons, most of which I’m guessing have to do with religious beliefs. But is it in the religious code to keep the fact you’re a virgin hidden under a rock?

Twenty years is a long time to hold off on sex, so why not be proud of that accomplishment?

If you’re sexually active, imagine waiting 20 years before having sex again. That may seem scary, but it also shows the strong will and character that some people on campus should be proud to possess.

Those who’ve indulged in the pleasures of the flesh may argue that it’s hard to miss something that you’ve never had.

I agree, but with the many temptations out there it’s easy for young virgins to imagine what they’re missing.

There are many sources of temptation, and many more open expressions of sexuality.

I personally want to know where these elusive virgins hide. I’m not out for blood. I’m simply interested in the habits and lifestyles of these mysterious creatures.

One of my first questions would be: why not be more open?

Sex is an open book everywhere these days. There are few things that can’t be witnessed through the advent of cable television. The ever-independent Carrie Bradshaw, star of HBO’s “Sex and the City,” and other members of the now-famous cast tackled every sexual faux pax, fantasy and issue that could come to mind. Carrie and friends unlocked the bedroom door to a new trend of openness – many friends of mine have followed suit.

Rodger Streitmatter, professor of communication at American University and author of “Sex Sells: The Media’s Journey from Repression to Obsession,” claim the media has continually promoted sex of any kind. Streitmatter argues that “Sex and the City” and similar programs have brought sexual talk into everyday discussion. He also says these shows have helped change American norms – sex has gone from obscure to obvious.

Streitmatter says the invention 50 years ago of the birth-control pill allowed women to take charge of their sexual lives, and Cosmopolitan magazine spun casual sex into a positive lifestyle.

Streitmatter’s point: Sex is everywhere.

Every day.

All of this talk about sex, all of this exposure and still I hear that there are virgins on campus. But I can’t find them.

This is my plea to each and every college-aged virgin: Be proud of your beliefs, whatever they may be, for they are strong enough to have gotten you this far. Don’t shy away from celebrating your virginity. At this point in your life having your V-card is an accomplishment, don’t be afraid to hold out.