Why I'm not going to lie about my number

I've slept with 26 people and I'm 27, I lost my virginity at 15- which means I've been having sex for 12 years, therefore on average I have slept with 2 people a year since I lost my virginity- of course that's not how it always works, sometimes your in love and sometimes one goes through a phase.

This comes about from my ex, one of the things they were insecure about was my number and I told them I would never tell anyone my number again but I've thought about it and number one I don't like lying, number two I want to be with someone who just accepts that about me. Who can laugh at the stupid things I have done and appreciate the things I've been taught or shown.

Every single person who I've been intimate with has made a lasting impact on my life, they have been friends who have helped me through good and tough times, they have helped me explore my body and feel comfortable in my sexuality. They have all meant something to me, and a lot of them are people who I can still call on today. When I'm in a relationship I never reply to their messages, excluding one friend who is one my dearest friends but that intimacy is a piece of the past and not what defines the current.

I would never intentionally make someone feel insecure and I love fiercely, I love with my whole heart. The people I've slept have helped shaped me- some for the better and some for the worse but whether it was only one time or many times their friendship has always been something I've valued more than the act.

I want to be with someone who doesn't think twice about the number and can see me for me, I don't think it should be a big deal but maybe im wrong.