Hey smileyscout, I do believe that you have honorable intentions. But there are some brilliant responses. Like this one:
yellowbird:
I have a 17 year old daughter and I wouldn’t want her dating you. No way - no how. And she wouldn’t want to date you. In her mind you’re old. She has so much to look forward to… going to her Senior Prom, graduating from High School - going off to college and rooming in a dorm. First time living away from home etc. etc. She’s had her driver’s license for less than a year and she’s still too young to vote, drink etc. She’s going to her first rock concert in March and she’s so excited.
Unless you are very immature for your age, I can’t imagine what in the world you could possibly have in common with my daughter?
Regarding the 17 year old you know → YOU are way too old for her. Move along…
Yes. You don’t want to risk angry parents. And they will bring out their shotgun for real, since she is still a minor!
And this one:
bben15:
Just think of it like this:
6 year old girl dating a 17 year old boy is child molestation.
17 year old girl dating a 28 year old man is just plain creepy.
28 year old woman dating 39 year old man is cute.
And this one:
Iheartcoffee:
She is too young for you. There is a huge difference between the life experience and priorities of a high school girl and the life experience and priorities of a man in his late 20’s. There is a lot of growing up that happens between 17 and 27. She isn’t even out of high school, much less college. No matter how mature she seems, she is still very naive simply because she has never done things like have a regular job, go to college, live on her own, etc. Age differences aren’t as big of a deal among most adults because they are all in roughly similar or close enough places in adulthood. All of these things are important things that would be very good to have in common. They are the things that make the difference between say, 27 and 37 okay. Both the 27 and 37 year old are on their own (or they should be). Stick to dating women that have finished college and are in similar places in life, and a decade from now if you are both still single then maybe it would be time to consider going on a date with her.
In general, you should consider this: How do you know that her feelings are real and not a fleeting crush? Remember crushes back in HS? Those feelings don’t last long. How foolish is it to invest in someone who only liked you as a crush and no more?
You should also consider: How can you possibly get the approval of her family??? They will beat your face into a bloody pulp!!
Let’s not judge the OP. These situations make sense. It’s easy for someone in their 20s to impress a girl that’s 17. The perception of maturity, leadership, and superior knowledge is impressive to a high schooler.
It’s easy to perceive only the good in someone you like, and she may appear relatively mature in front of you.
But the possible repercussions if 1) she’s not genuine, 2) if her family busts out the shotgun, and 3) the reaction of the community is negative are NOT worth it.
In my line of work I know very well how much trouble people can get into simply because of exaggerated accusations by victims. I know very well how often, the only reason why police suspect you of a crime is
because they say so, and because the alleged victim says so.
I know how difficult it is, how much of an uphill battle it is, to defend these cases. I know the lifetime consequences of a felony conviction. Even a nice plea bargain is still a guilty. And even if I am successful and get you a complete not guilty, there is not much I can do about a ruined reputation, and loss of the battle of public opinion.
Remember this: Society prefers to coddle and protect women, and be gentle and compassionate to them. Even if you are morally right, smileyscout, society will take the girl’s side if this case blows up.
Also remember: Even if you’re not guilty in criminal court, it doesn’t stop her and her family from seeking relief in **civil court **(like a restraining order)!
But there’s an easy way.
Why not just wait till she’s 18?? In that case, both of you can say you are adults making adult decisions. And public opinion will only go so far, as the public can no longer accuse you of being a child molester.
As a lawyer, I believe it is the scarlet letter of public opinion that is the second most damaging thing about these accusations. Second, to the sex offender registry. Please, don’t risk being my next client.
My free legal advice? Just wait till she’s 18!