Am I Wasting Time?

So I’m 17. I’ve known my boyfriend for 6 years and we’ve been dating for a little under a year. Before we were dating a got around and dated others. I’ve never had this long of a relationship and recently I feel like I’m almost wasting my high school/ early college time with him. By that I mean. I could genuinely see myself with him for a long long time. But I’m still young and I don’t want to be held down. It’s in my nature to flirt and have fun. I love him but I feel like I need an open relationship until I am old enough to settle down... does any of this make sense? I’d love to know your thoughts!