Others not understanding your beliefs

Does anyone else struggle with their friends, workmates etc not understanding your beliefs. Some of my friends don't understand why my religion is so important to me. A lot of my friends find it odd that i am not into casual dating etc. and do not understand why i feel that it is important for me to be with someone who at the very least respects my religious beliefs. It frustrates me that people often judge me for not wanting to have sex before marriage. Does anyone have any techniques to cope with this? As even a lot of my christian friends who have been in long term relationships have had sex, don't feel bad and guilty and therefore don't see why i have a problem with it.
I find that few people can understand the importance i place on my soul and my salvation.
How can I help people to understand or accept me as i am without pushing people away? Any suggestions?

Yes, I understand what you're saying. I've tried to share my story with some of my friends and they label it "crazy" or "don't believe it" or they are lukewarm in faith instead of hot in faith. Just continue to walk with God and don't worry about others or what they think about you. Ask that they respect your beliefs and the way you've chosen to live your life. If it makes you feel better, you aren't alone in the slightest. God bless you and it is admirable of you to take the narrow path.

on the first place, it's not a problem if they don't understand your beliefs. If you laid your points and explained to them then that’s it and it's their problem if they'll accept it or not…you don't have to compromise with the WORLD, better avoid those kind of people

and let their judgment just pass through your ears, if you are truly a daughter of God that won't frustrate you . . .

techniques? i got only 2 1.READ YOUR BIBLE, the word of God is our shield and weapon; 2. Pray everyday

Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

if you love God, the world will hate you and if you love the world you are an enemy to God.

and don’t compare yourself with your “Christian” friends, God deals differently on every person

This is simply a product of the world we live in. There is a cultural standard of behavior, and Christians defy those standards, well, TRUE Christians do. Seems to me the little bit of persecution is quite mild when you look at the Apostles. They often suffered jail, beatings and violent deaths for their faith. Or look into Foxes Book of Martyrs, or research the persecution going on in other countries in the east. Once you compare what they went through to the childish nit picking of the people around you, you will see just how easy you have it.

And far as your so called Christian friends, i'd use that term loosely on them. Their behavior, mindset, and heart reflects nothing of God or the Holy Spirit. They have become dead to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. And also choosing to ignore the unchanging Word of God to follow what's popular, as well as their own selfish desires. Find better friends. No Christians friend should ever encourage you to sin and go against Gods Word and His Holy Spirit. Those are some of the most dangerous people in the world because they say they stand for God, but they try to entice people away from God.

I assume you live this way to honor God. Thus, the opinion of others shouldn't have weight when it comes to your honoring of God. People with always think your nuts, too religious, prude, etc but the fact is you (and your choices) should be defined by God alone and not their opinion.
I don't mean to be trite because I know it hurts to have that judgement, but perspective is key. Your life is about pleasing God, not others.