For many people counting their sexual partners is a point of pride, while for others it’s a source of shame. It should be neither. In the modern world it’s not uncommon for someone who is single to rack up a certain number of sexual partners as they search for someone they can settle down with. Others who are more open sexually and participate in lifestyles such as swinging are also going to encounter many people throughout their years. This shouldn’t be a source of pride or shame for anyone. There is also no real need to count sexual partners, with a few exceptions.
Safety First
As long as you are being responsible about your interactions, keeping score is unnecessary. Make sure you are using condoms and dams, don’t participate in risky behavior (such as bareback sex and blood letting), and make sure you are tested every few months. If you follow these precautions you won’t find yourself needing to take count.
STDs
If you end up being diagnosed with an STD, it’s not the end of the world. This happens to the best of people, and can happen even when all precautions are being taken. This is going to be one of the few times you will need to take count, since your past partners will need to be notified. Don’t let this startle you, and just be objective about it when you sit down to make your list. Most people have a few people on their list that they don’t remember, so all you can do is hope that person has been tested and remains safe and responsible.