Saturday, 20 February 2010

  • Where to Draw the Age Line


    I can't even begin to explain why I like this boy more than most others I've met. I have liked a copious amount of boys in my seventeen years, and each of them is something different. However, none have been quite as different to me as this one. He makes me genuinely laugh. That is extremely hard to come across. I feel incredibly comfortable around him, and, yes, for once I am completely and honestly myself around him. His presence makes all of my troubling thoughts go away. When I'm around him, I feel confident and I feel like I have potential in the world. He makes an effort to help me when I need it, and overall, he's one of the first people to make me feel what really liking someone is.


    There's one other thing, though, that makes him stand out from all the other guys I've ever been interested in: he's three years younger than me.

    He's surprisingly mature for his age, but that doesn't seem to matter to the other students at my school. All everyone seems to see is a number that says how mature you're supposed to be. What I wish they'd understand, though, is that this isn't middle school anymore. Yes, it is definitely weird for a tenth-grader to date a seventh-grader, but as you get older, the numbers start to look a little smaller. My personal philosophy is that it's okay to date anyone within high school (provided they don't still act like eighth-graders). I do have to admit, though, that I am not entirely on the same level as most other seniors; he and I are both on about the emotional level of a junior. I am a forward-thinking person, but I also do have this one small part of me that hasn't really blossomed into an adult yet. I blame it on my deprived childhood, but I choose not to linger on it. I just recognize that it does make me more interested in enjoying life and figuring out what I want.

    He does return feelings for me, but we're not sure where exactly to go with it. Do we make it public and make a point that age difference is okay? Or is it only futile and should we remain quiet about it? What will it do to my final impression before I leave my school for college? There are so many questions that it gets really confusing. Half my friends think it's perfectly fine, while the other half thinks it's wrong.

    I'm certain you've heard stories like this where someone's on their knees proclaiming that "age is only a number." What do you think is an acceptable age range for high-schoolers to date? Do you think that age is really just a number?

Comments (92)

  • soyeahthatswhathappened@xanga

    in high school it's difficult to date that much older or younger, because you two are going to be in pretty different worlds. i'd give it a shot, but at this point, i'm not sure what the likelyhood of it lasting is.

  • lilmizzie27@xanga

    I was 15 with a 23 year old. Sometimes the guy is more mature, sometimes he is way less. It's not really age, seriously. It's the person. It's different from one to another. At 15, I was far more mature than the 23 year old.

  • amyetta619@xanga

    depends on both people i guess and what kind of relationship each want.. my range is 5 years younger - 10 years older, but that doesnt mean there should be a set range for anyone, thats just what i like

  • kinamorata@xanga

    I always thought that age shouldn't matter as long as both parties are consenting adults, then there is no line. As long as they're happy with whoever then it's their business.

    The last guy I liked is five years older. It was amazing.

  • Beautiful_Disaster_74@xanga

    At your age, I'd say three years could be a pretty significant age difference.  But then again, at your age, hopefully you're not going to get very serious with anyone.  If that's your approach, then I say just enjoy each other's company.  If you turn out to be those rare birds that end up marrying your high school sweetheart, then when you're 25 and he's 22, three years won't make any difference at all. 

    For what it's worth, before I met my husband, the last five people I dated (and when I say "dated", I'm including everything from a few evenings out to a long-term relationship) were three and a half years younger, three years younger, nine years younger, nine years older, and fourteen years older, respectively.  My husband is five and a half years younger than I am, and age isn't an issue in our relationship.  Then again, I'm thirty-six and he's thirty, so us not being quite as young as you and your fellow is a factor as well.  As I hinted to above, as you get older, a few years' age difference becomes less and less significant. 

  • Reiskytl_rules@xanga

    when you're both in high school... sure it's about maturity level.  if you feel comfortable dating, it doesn't matter.


  • S_K_O_T@xanga

    Hypothetically speaking, if I had the chance, I'd see a girl or woman of any age between 16 and 70! If they were wonderful. If they'd have me of course, which is the tricky part.


    When I was in High School a lot of girls liked me, but I was too nervous to do much about it.


    There was a girl a year or two ahead of me who liked me, and let me know it....let me tell you, I am KICKING myself now for that and so many other wasted chances!


    If he and you are good together then that's good, be good together!!!!!

  • wingedferret@xanga

    Haha, they posted my blog so late... we got things resolved and chose to remain good friends while i go out with another guy who has a maturity level that can satisfy mine better :)

  • yaneznayu@xanga

    age isnt a problem for me, its the person that matters.

  • wizard_howl@xanga

    Don't worry about age unless you're gonna be a pedo or something. Honestly in the long run, if everything works out, it'll be good for you both.


    I'm 19, female, dating a 17-year-old senior in high school. I'll turn 20 before he's even 18. He's exponentially more mature than my 24-year-old ex, who still lived at home when I was dating him, barely worked, played video games 24/7 and never called me. My boyfriend will go above and beyond just to make me happy. If you two work out, then go for it.

  • feelslikejuly@xanga

    I don't see how three years is such a big deal. I see something as a big deal if you're under 18 and dating someone in their mid to late 20's (but that's not the case). If you like him, go for him. You're still pretty young and if it doesn't work out, move on. 

  • tykazowsky@xanga

    uhm, you said this isnt middle school anymore... buuut he is in middle school.

    obviously its possible to have feelings, and if you want... go for it. but i seriously doubt anything longterm would come of it (i hope thats not what you were intending)

    oh and the formula is half your age +7.

  • P0RCELA1N_D0LL@xanga

    I have a crush on this older guy who has a teen daughter>_< I'm in my 20's. he is old enough to be my dad. age doesn't necessarily determine maturity, so I don't think it matters as long as you're compatible and it is legal. like an older guy dating a 14 year old is wrong. since you're in the same age range, I think it is okay but you decide for yourselves. I always crushed on the older guys even now that I'm older. I prefer mature looks.

  • hazey_chique@xanga

    They say girls mature faster than guys. So that's where the norms came from, that girls should date guys who at least 2 years older. However, my belief is if you feel that you're on the same level of maturity and if he makes you happy, then age isn't a factor.

  • KittySolntsova@xanga

    I think age is just a number... it's the personality that counts.  I used to be with guys who were around my age, the numbers looked great, but we never connected because we were on totally different levels of maturity.  Now I'm with someone who is 15 years older than me, but we click on every level and things are great!  So I'd say go for it, if you and he have a good connection.

  • buddy71@xanga

    @P0RCELA1N_D0LL@xanga - i have a gf that is about your age and i am the older guy much like your "crush". i just wish we lived closer to see if it would all work out or not.

  • P0RCELA1N_D0LL@xanga

    @buddy71@xanga - i c an LDR my situation won't work out because he is married. I have another crush and he lives close but is also married. I want what I can't have. guys my age are too easy to get. I don't even have to try and they throw themselves at me lol not that fun

  • buddy71@xanga

    @P0RCELA1N_D0LL@xanga - well i am very careful about the age situation as the title "dirty old man" gets hung out a lot and way to quickly. at least she let me know it was ok.  yes an ldr is very hard and we have only seen each other twice, but we are still fairly new in this.  yes many of us older guys tend to be married.  lol  well keep looking as some other guy my pop up and wont be married.

  • SFPD_PursuitZ77@xanga

    Age really isn't a problem for me, it may to be just about everyone else. I mean, I have a limit of maybe a 5-7 year difference, but it all depends on the person in question.

  • raedium@xanga

    I'm 17, he's 22. Works fine for me.

  • notjustanothergirl

    Three years? My best friend and now husband are 6 or 7 years apart and they are raising a 2 year old son. I'd been dating someone who was 5 1/2 to 6 years older than me. Three years isn't as distant as you think. It can work.

  • PrettyKitten

    You will get the hell mocked out of you if you do it. You might think you can handle it ... but most likely it will get to both of you. High-school kids are cruel and don't think about things too much. And, you're too young to be so worried about this. Just talk to him about it, if you really want to be with him ... don't hide it, but be quiet about it.


    As for age ... it's up to you. I would say that for high-schoolers, 2-3 years age difference is quite significant, not necessarily unacceptable, but if it lasts, it doesn't matter. Just think of the consequences before you move forward ... I would tell you go for it, but tread carefully. All the best.

  • thats_happy@xanga

    When I was a senior in high school I dated a freshman. He was an amazing intelligent guy and I couldn't get enough of him. granted he did break up with me and now it's weird to see him. but at the time it was great. Now I'm dating someone five years old than me and he's even better than the younger guy. it's nice to experiment so you can figure out who's really right for you. 

  • matchstickfireflies@xanga

    I'd go to a limit of two years older, never younger.
    That's just me though.

    So many other things are capable of working if you take the time to see what happens.

  • diannisforever@xanga

    everyone is older than me, my circle of friends are in their twenties, But really age shouldnt be a problem unless is illegal, or the guy/girl is your mother/father's age, or they on their death bed

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