So I am on the topic of age differences. Throughout life it has always been normal for an older man to date a younger girl, but so taboo for a women to date a younger man. I know many 18-19 year old men, dating 15-16 year old girls. However, it's so different for an 18-19 year old women to date a 15-16 year old boy. Yes, I understand the age of consent and how sexual acts with an underage person is against the law. However, I am just talking about innocent hanging out & dating. I also understand that boys seem to mature slower than girls. For example, an 18 year old girl usually has the maturity of a 21 year old boy. Isn't phrases like this being mentioned, where stereotypes come in to play? I believe that maturity varies from person to person. What happens in life, who raises us, how we receive actions and thoughts, how we are wired, and the butterfly affect plays a huge role on how soon/fast we mature. I am an 18 year old girl & I have been in a 7 month relationship with a 16 year old boy. We are 2 years & 7 months apart in age. I personally know many boys in my high school that have dated girls 3-4 years younger than them, so how is it wrong for me to date a boy younger than me? I know a sweet Christian lady, that met her SO while she was a Freshman in College. He was also a Freshman, in high school! They are 3-4 years apart, and they are both out of college and happily married. My point being, is that some stereotypes in age differences, can ruin a persons joy of reaching out to someone that their heart is yearning for. At first, I was so worried about what everyone in my rural county would think of me. Finally I realized; I am about to go to college, he is finishing high school, I truly love him, he is as mature as me, we are on the same level, and he brings me happiness. I understand that there is a point to where age difference is to significant. As in a 20 year old dating a 12-13 year old. The maturity is not compromised, whatsoever. However, my main topic within this novel I just wrote, is that I think it's a beautiful thing for an older girl/women to get past the fears and judgments, just to find the boy/man of her dreams and help him grow with her in life. Everything happens for a reason, and each person is drawn to someone for a specific reason. I am tired of letting people define my happiness. I have always cared too much about what people think & I am finally starting to get past the small mindedness within my community. With all this being said, I just want to confirm that love who you love and don't hold back! God has a specific person and plan for everyone within his timing. I am a happy women dating an incredible mature younger boy, and the stereotypes are slowly fading as my feelings grow stronger.

With all this being said, I would love comments of personal thoughts, stories, opinions, etc!