Q: how acceptable is it to have pre-marital sex?
A: The acceptance of dating depends on where the women lives. In the touristic cities, and all along the coast, dating is mainly allowed because people there have a broader mindset. In smaller cities, the south, and the inlands, dating is not widely acceptable. They hold true to the more traditional ways of life where a women is only allowed to go out in public with a man once they are engaged. Pre-marital sex is looked down upon although it does occur. If it is discovered that a man and a women have slept together before marriage, the family of the women can request/force the man to marry her, although this doesn't happen that much anymore, and is mainly seen in the more traditional cities. If a women becomes pregnant before marriage, it is considered a great disgrace for her and her family. Many women here opt to have abortions so they do not face the disgrace. One of the trends here is that if a women has been sexually active before marriage, when it comes time to get married, she will have a minor operation that will "restore" her virginity. If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.