Dating Advice Needed! How Long Before You Say "I Do" To Sex?

Forgive me for putting it out there so bluntly, but it's a question that has been racking my mind lately. I have read countless times in dating advice articles, that if you want a long term relationship with a man, you should hold off on having sex. But how long?

Ironically, I've been on what I call a "man diet," and swore off men until I have a better grasp of things sort of out of control in my life. But I was approached by a guy friend and he invited himself to come with me to do a restaurant review. I didn't think much of it, and kept calling it a "non-date." But then he asked me out again. And again. He called our meetings "snacking" during the "man diet." The non-dates became romantic meetings where we laugh, kiss and feel like teenagers. I should have known there is no such thing as a "non-date," just like there is no such thing as "snacking" during a "man diet"-- the hormones are the real deal!

To be fair, one of the pre-requisites to ending my "man diet" was to finalize my divorce. Well, after a year and a half, it was officially over last week. *Gulp* The guy I'm seeing knows about my history, my secrets, my love addiction, everything. I think I'm in trouble...

So here I am all horny again from having too many man snacks, and I think it's about time to officially call off my "diet." I really like the guy I'm seeing and don't want to lose the connection we have by making the same mistakes in my past (namely-- giving myself away too quickly). We've been on about six dates (or "non-dates") over the last two months. We've made it quite clear to each other that the sexual tension is too much to keep fighting, and something's got to give-- soon!

So, what is the magical "correct" number of dates you should go on before going to bed with a man? Is there a certain amount of time that needs to pass before saying "I do" to sex? Help me make the right decision this time around....