I was 17...

Men are biologically motivated to spread their seeds to as many partners as possible, so there is a better chance of getting more offspring. Women, since they can only have one baby a year are biologically motivated to find a partner that will be a good provider.

As for the virginity thing, girls do put a little too much importance on it I think. I'm really glad that I lost my virginity to someone I really cared about instead of some random slut, but besides that who cares.

I had a conversation with a lesbian once who told me that all girls go crazy over the guy they loose their virginity to. Based on my experience so far there is a lot of truth to that statement so I try to pop as few cherries as possible.