Should sex be a cherished thing?

I don't think that sex is something that you should just casually give to people like a piece of chewing gum or a spare pencil, but I don't think that you should have to be married or anything. If two consenting adults want to have sex and are responsible enough to protect themselves and know all of the implications of what they're doing, then why not? Call me old-fashioned, I do believe that sex is a lot better when you actually have strong feelings for a person and are committed to them, but each to their own.