PURE AND SIMPLE DEPT.: MILEY CYRUS telling BFF’s she’s soooo glad she never got too physical with 20-year-old ex-beau JUSTIN GASTON.

Despite all her “I’m a big girl now” posturing, Miley’s saying she remained “pure” during their 10-month romance.

“Miley is so relieved she saved herself,” said a close pal. “Even though she was crazy about Justin, deep down she wasn’t sure he was the one, and stayed true to her convictions.”

NEXT UP: Boy-candy NICK JONAS of “purity ring” fame. Whew!

That should take the pressure off, eh, Miley?

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