I completely appreciate what the two other posters have written and want to add that being in love is probably the best way to ensure that a sexual experience is the most meaningful that it can be. But, there are different points of view on the subject, and I would also have to say that you should, at the very least, be able to trust this man enough to be able to speak openly about sex and any insecurities/fears that you have. If you feel uncomfortable speaking openly with him, then maybe you're not ready.

With my first serious boyfriend, I was also 19, and he was 22. I was able to have a conversation with him about sex and let him know that I was a bit nervous and concerned with STDs and pregnancy. By the time that we ended up having sex, several months later, we had already said "I love you" and I was not nervous at all. We dated off and on for over four years and are still friends to this day.

Even if you are on birth control such as the pill, always use condoms...And, to make sure there are no assumptions about things, make sure you have "the talk." If you want to only have sex while in a monogomous, comitted relationship, don't assume anything...I believe you must ask about this and be clear as to what you want. If you don't feel comforable having this talk, again, then maybe you're not ready.

Good luck and enjoy the ROMANCE! Romance and sex are very different things...but, when you add together romance, sex and love...wow, it can be amazing. :-)