PROBLEM. idk.

Hi there! You know it happens. Falling for someone who is a couple of years younger than you are can happen. You mentioned a few things (his maturity, he makes you laugh and that you like him) that have allowed you to fall for him. It can happen and there is nothing to be ashamed about.

Having said this, I think it is good that you are thinking about in 'rational' terms. Having fallen for him, there is nothing you can really do about it with the exception of trying to get your mind to concentrate on something else. As you have pointed out, you could be walking into a legal minefield here, in which you don't want to get into. Safest bet, try to get your mind off of him. Take some time out. Try to meet and do things with your friends. Try to make some new friends if you need to. Do something that you like doing, or that has helped you in the past to get you to concentrate on other things when you had to. Do what ever it is that you need to do to get your mind to concentrate on something else.

I don't see any reason why you two can not be friends. After you have taken some time out, try to be his friend. It sounds that you two get along and enjoy each other's company. If you find yourself falling for him again than maybe you have to move on leave it behind you. If you two do remain friends for the next couple of years, and once he is no longer a minor under the law (although it does depend where you live) if you still want to take your friendship a step further then you could give it a try.

But for now, I think it is best if you try to distance yourself just to be on the safe side.

I hope this helps.

 

Yes, you are right, it is easier said than done, but given that you know what you should and perhaps need to do, and given that you are thinking about it rationally I think you will overcome that. I think you are looking at it from a rational perspective that will allow you to move beyond it for now.

If you really want to pursue a relationship with him, I would suggest that you have a look at the law books and go by what ever it says when it comes to minors and take it from there. If you haven't done so already, talk to him as well about it so that he also knows about your feelings and worries.

But again, if you feel that it would be easier on the both of you, you two can be friends, close friends. Just don't let it get to the physical aspects of the relationship. Hang out together and do whatever it is that you do together but just make sure that it stays at being friends for now. Get to know each other as it were. Once he is no longer considered a minor under the law, than maybe try forming a closer relationship.

Hope this helps!

 

Hi there! Here is a link to a website that will give you the "Age of Consent" when it comes to having a physical relationship: http://www.avert.org/aofconsent.htm. As I'm not sure where you live, again I would suggest to you to have a look at the law books.

I would caution you on 'dating' though. Dating can easily lead to something much more. After all we are all social animals and can give easily into temptation. Given that you have mentioned that you "don't really want to just leave it alone" I think it would be wise to take it slow and take a step back. It is always better to be safe than sorry afterwards.

But it is really up to you as to how you want to proceed. Hope this helps!

 

Well reading through it, I think what it means is that he can not legally consent to sex until he is 18. As you noted, there are exceptions but these apply to the penalties involved. Given that you are 18 and your friend is more than 3 years younger, and if you do have intercourse with him and someone would report you, you could be charged and possibly face jail time. This is how I read it, but someone might have a different take on it. Maybe get a few more opinions on it.

Regardless of the exceptions and exemptions, if I were you I would take the friendship route, and try to get my mind concentrating on something else. Remember that laws are open to interpretations and I think you want to avoid any situations where you would need to explain yourself. Why do you want to get yourself in such a situation?

Take it slow. Talk to him about it. Get other opinions on it as well. But please, what ever you do or decide to do, weigh the options and consequences.

Hope this helps!

 

Hi there! I know it can be hard to move on from here. You have fallen for someone and you a battling two worlds, one which wants to be him and the other who thinks rationally about it and reminds you about what you need/should do.

Even if he acts mature for his age (as Lex said) age is more than a number. All it takes is for someone (be it his parents, friends) to have a suspicion that you guys have a relationship. Should someone then proceed to report it, you are going to face the same nightmare as if he would have reported you.

Apart from the legal aspects, and I should have mentioned it yesterday as well (and as Lex said), the relationship would not be a relationship of equals. You have more life experiences, even if it is just a three year difference.

As bad as it sounds, it isn't a good idea to pursue a relationship with him. I know it will be hard, but I think it might be best if you try to move on.

Don't be too hard on yourself. It happens. There is nothing you can do about it.