My girlfriend of five years is still a virgin

by James
(Duluth, MN, USA)

My girlfriend and I have been dating for 5 and a half years now. We've had a healthy relationship except for a period of time a couple years ago when things got rough.

Here's the problem: Both of us are 22 and we have never had sex.

I've spoken to her about having sex in the past, and at one point she was considering it, but because I don't want to pressure her, we haven't talked about having sex since then.

I know that we love one another and will eventually get married (which she is looking forward to), but that will be in another 2 years. She wants to wait until we are married to have sex.

I think by now, in any normal relationship, a couple would be having sex after being together for five years. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to remain patient.

How do I convince her that we are ready for sex without pressuring her?