Don't you have to learn from your own mistakes? That way, if you experience it for yourself, you can decide if it's right or wrong for you. I'd imagine you made some mistakes, and in the end, I think it makes you a more stable person.

Imagine if you went to the DMV to take the test to receive your driver's license. When asked certain questions during your drive test, you said to the instructor, "Instead of following all your little laws and signs, I think I need to learn from my mistakes as a driver. In the end, it will make me a well-rounded person. Why should I conform to what side of the road you want me on when I can make up my own mind?"

Needless to say, you'd be taking the bus home from the DMV.

If we disregard traffic laws, we'll hurt ourselves and others. What many people don't realize is that a great deal of harm can also be caused if we disregard the proper use of our sexuality. Every minute of every day, you and I have the chance to make different mistakes. But we should not rely on our mistakes to gain understanding. For example, I could cheat on my wife, and learn from that. I could get addicted to cocaine, and learn from that. I could refuse to potty train my dog, and learn from that. Just because you can learn from something does not mean that you should do it.

A wise person can examine the possible outcomes of a behavior, and use that information to make the best decision. For example, I received a letter from girl who was a great volleyball athlete at her school. She started sleeping with her boyfriend and became pregnant. She told her parents and they were furious. Her mom wanted her to have an abortion, so she ran away with her boyfriend, and they lived on the streets and slept in a cemetery. She was able to shower once a week, and barely had any food to eat. Eventually, she gave up and went home to her mom, who forced her to have an abortion. Then, her boyfriend left her and she realized she never really loved him.

Did she learn a lot from these trials? You bet. But does she wish it all never happened? She'd pay a million dollars for that. She has first hand knowledge of the consequences of her actions. But you can foresee the effects of your actions without having to do them. This is the difference between wisdom and foolishness. A reliable person tells two people that the stove is hot. The wise person trusts the information. The fool ends up with blisters on his hands.

Who you are is shaped by your choices, and who you become shapes the choices you make. Therefore, choose wisely.