Everybody on TV seems to be tumbling into bed on the first date these days, but should you? Absolutely not, and I don't care if you've been celibate since 1996.

Here's why:

1. Chances are, you've just met the guy. You know nothing about him, let alone whether he bathes daily, or if he's one of those losers who picks his nose at stoplights.

2. My OB/GYN estimates that two out of five people are walking around with Herpes Simplex II. Some of them don't even know it. Do you want to become one of the two out of five?

3. If you have sex with a guy on a first date, how do you know that he doesn't leap into the sack with every other woman he meets? Do you really want to

get involved with someone that easy? He doesn't make quality boyfriend or husband material.

All right then, how about third-date sex?

You may really be ripe for action, but I still advocate waiting. You can learn a lot more about a man (without clouding your judgment) if you keep sex out of the equation until the time is right. And waiting builds passion!

You're less likely to have bad sex with a man you've taken your time with than with some clown you hit the sheets with too soon.

Of course, you risk being dumped if you don't hop into bed right away with certain guys. But think about it: Wouldn't you rather be dumped than be saddled with someone who's so utterly superficial and self-involved?

You deserve better.