I'm a 19 year old girl in the UK and I like a 14 year old boy... Is it wrong?

In the eyes of society, and possibly the law, yes.

You are considered an adult. He is still considered a child.

In ten years, a five year age difference won't be so taboo.

Do yourself a favor and forget it.

Yes it is. He's a child and you are an adult. I hope you don't pursue this relationship. It isn't right

Like as in friends no. Nothing wrong with that. Like as in boyfriend girlfriend interest. That's wrong.

As in friends? What in the world would you have in common with a 14 year old?
You're an adult, he's a kid.
Find a guy your own age.

Homegirl and the others are right. You are asking for big trouble.

As in friends? What in the world would you have in common with a 14 year old?
You're an adult, he's a kid.
Find a guy your own age.
We actually have quite a lot in common... How else would
We even have become friends in the first place?

we actually have quite a lot in common... How else would
we even have become friends in the first place?

What, do you have in common? Do you both like video games? Are you both partial to wine spritzers?

Give me a break here. You are an adult. You should be concerned with making a living or developing a career. He is a child. He is concerned with baseball cards and video games and the like. The two of you are at VERY different points in your lives. Maybe you do have some interests in common, but not things you build a relationship on.

And what do you think his parents are going to think about this. How did you meet anyway? You need to play in your own field.

We play hockey at the same hockey club and are in the same musical theatre class... So I am working on my career, as is he! I wasn't even considering a relationship I was just wondering if I should feel bad for liking him- I am quite obviously not going to act on
My feelings!

He's only 14, how is he working on his career?

Gingee, it appears you are trying to find someone here who will tell you that what you are contemplating is okay. It is not. From a legal aspect, if you become involved in an inappropriate relationship with him (and you know what I am talking about) & his parents find out, you will find yourself being arrested and charged with a crime (rape, sexual misconduct, inappropriate sexual misconduct with a child, whatever charges they can & WILL come up with to throw you into jail) against a minor.

So, you need to ask yourself: is this relationship worth pursuing if it means completely screwing up the rest of your life? Because that more than likely will be the result of this infatuation of yours.

He may enjoy your attention for now but WHEN you get caught, he won't wait around for you to get out of jail and his parents will ensure that you will not have any contact with him in the future. So, you will be left with no boyfriend, you won't be able to get a job because you will have a child felony charge against you, and I don't know if you have to register as a sex offender in the U.K. but where ever you move to, people will know you like to play around with young boys.

Is that enough of a reality check for you or would you like me to continue?

Stay away from underage boys. Find someone your own age. If, in 5 years, the boy comes around looking for a date and you are not attached and still interested, then date him. But at this point in time, you need your head to rule you here, not your heart or any other body organs/parts.

**edit** I wrote this prior to reading your last post.

What are you going to do if this 14 year old boy starts having feeling for you? And that can very well happen. He is at the age where an older girl such as yourself would be a real turn on to him. He is bound to think you feel the same way about him, why else would you be interested in him.

The whole thing is just weird and inappropriate. Find some friends your own age.

Leave the boy alone or you are going to find yourself in a world of trouble. Kids talk among themselves and he will too.

What in the world do you have in common? Tell us. Do you push him on the swings at recess? Maybe you both like Skittles or walking in the rain. Leave the kid alone.

He's only 14, how is he working on his career?

He's going into musical theatre... And if he wants to be the best ye needs to get into the performing arts college at 16

Can you please not Lear comments if your just going to tell me that I can't have anything in common with him because we do! Also can people stop presuming I'm going to sleep with this boy...

Can you please not Lear comments if your just going to tell me that I can't have anything in common with him because we do! Also can people stop presuming I'm going to sleep with this boy...

You don't have anything in common. You are nineteen. You ask for advice , we give it. If you're waiting for someone to tell you it's all right,
I don't think you're going to find it here.

Can you please not Lear comments if your just going to tell me that I can't have anything in common with him because we do! Also can people stop presuming I'm going to sleep with this boy...

At your age a 5 year age gap may as well be 40.

He's a child, you're not.

If you have a lot in common, he's either very mature for 14, or you're very immature for 19.

If you're really interested in him, wait 6 years. When he's 20 and you're 25 it won't be that big a gap, and you'll both be adults and able to make mature decisions.

This is just wrong on so many levels right now.

You don't have anything in common. You are nineteen. You ask for advice , we give it. If you're waiting for someone to tell you it's alright,
I don't think you're going to find it here.

KK, I agree.

Gingee, so you have things in common with this boy. SO WHAT? That tells me that at 19 years old, you may not be as mature as you should be. Rarely does a woman your age contemplate being mere friends with a 14 yo boy. They can't be bothered with children. So, do you have a maturity issue? Or are you afraid of men your own age? Do you feel this boy is safe? Something isn't adding up here.

One thing I do know: the fact that you are showing up here now denying that you have absolutely no sexual interest in this boy tells me that you are in deep denial. Why would you even bother asking your initial question if all you were interested in was a platonic friendship with this boy? Why waste your time with something so innocent? Because, that is not what your intentions are. Stop this nonsense now. No one here (that is a responsible adult) is going to tell you that it is okay to be friends with this kid.

Can you please not Lear comments if your just going to tell me that I can't have anything in common with him because we do! Also can people stop presuming I'm going to sleep with this boy...
You came here for advice, you're getting it.
I must say I don't know or have I ever known any 19 year old girl who wants to pal around with a 14 year old boy. Do any of your friends?
Do you feel safe with this kid? Is that what this "friendship is about? This boy is approaching puberty if he's not already there and believe me it will show sooner or later. What are you going to do then.
You are too old to be paling around with him. This needs to stop. It's not healthy for either of you.

So you both like hockey and musical theater (That's kind of a weird combination there). That's not a lot in common, that's a couple of things in common. I'll bet I could find some common interest with almost everyone on this planet.

If you had asked about being a mentor for this child, we might have agreed, but people don't ask whether its OK to be "friends" with someone. For you to ask the question indicates you were thinking (consciously or unconsciously) of a romantic relationship.

When someone posts a question here we answer the question to the best of our abilities. We don't tell the person what they want to hear. When you ask a question, you open yourself up to any answer as long as it doesn't violate our rules. You don't dictate who can reply or how.

So the bottom line, is you really need to stay away from this CHILD!

Well, I'm going to be the first person to disagree with the other posters... I don't think it's possible to generalize. I base that on my own experience:

When my first girlfriend and I started going out, she was 12 and I was 17. She was comparatively mature for her age, I was probably comparatively immature for my age, so we probably met in the middle, maturity-wise. My ex-gf would probably say that it worked out very well. We took the physical side of things very slowly and never did have intercourse, which was probably the right thing. In retrospect, I'm astonished that her mother didn't object, but maybe that was because she already knew me, as our families were friends.

Getting back to your situation … what you do have to be aware of is that the older person in such a relationship has a big responsibility. You will almost certainly be much more mature than this guy, doubly so because girls are generally more mature than boys at this age. That doesn't just mean that you should be very cautious about what physical stuff you tempt him into, it also means being aware that you will probably have a much clearer idea as to what you want from the relationship than he does. At the risk of sounding a bit like a cheap romance novel, you have his heart in your hands. And believe me, we guys have fragile hearts!

Another aspect to think about: he will change much faster than you over the coming years and even months. Assuming he feels the same about you now, there's every chance he won't in a couple of months. So you could also be heading for heartbreak.

And of course, there is the legal side of it... if you were to get caught having sex with an underage boy you would be in deep trouble. But you doubtless know that. And there's no reason why "going out with" has to mean "going to bed with" (or, for that matter, why "going to bed with" has to mean "having intercourse with," but that's another topic!

So the direct answer to your question about whether it's wrong to "like" a boy five years younger than you is "no." Acting on your "liking" may possibly not be wrong. But think very, very carefully before you do.

Intercourse isn't the only legally forbidden sexual contact which can get a person arrested.

Intercourse isn't the only legally forbidden sexual contact which can get a person arrested.

Good point. That will vary a lot from country to country and, in the US, from state to state.

Having said which, most places do take a more serious view of intercourse with a person under the age of consent than of other sexual activity with them.

Well, I'm going to be the first person to disagree with the other posters ... I don't think it's possible to generalize. I base that on my own experience:


I'm not sure what you are disagreeing with since you appear to disagree with the OP having this relationship, like the others. But I disagree with you about generalizing. I think, to be on the safe side, we have to generalize. I think we NEED to discourage a relationship like this because of the very real and great possibility of problems. Also because of the large improbability of it lasting.

Lets look at your own experience. You refer to this 12 yr old as your ex. Which meant the relationship didn't work. Frankly, I read your story as a betrayal. You were apparently trusted as a family friend, so having this relationship was allowed. Yet you betrayed that trust but taking advantage of the girl. You claim she was more mature, but I'll bet it was more a matter of being enamored that a older boy was interested in her. You risked a statutory rape charge and are lucky not to have been branded.

Good point. That will vary a lot from country to country and, in the US, from state to state.

Having said which, most places do take a more serious view of intercourse with a person under the age of consent than of other sexual activity with them.


Again you are incorrect - intercourse is NOT the only sexual contact forbidden when a person is underage. That does NOT vary from country to country, from State to State.

Are you telling me that there is any State in the US in which oral sex with an underage person is NOT unlawful sexual contact?

Please post your research concerning a more "serious" view toward intercourse (with someone underage) than oral contact.

I'm not sure what you are disagreeing with since you appear to disagree with the OP having this relationship, like the others.

Not exactly. I'm saying she should be very careful about having this relationship.

It sounds like it could possibly work out, but it also sounds like it could be the cause of considerable heartache, for both sides. You're right about the improbability of the relationship lasting, and that's certainly a factor to take into account. Whether that means we should err quite so far on the side of caution as to always discourage this kind of relationship, I'm less sure.

Certainly, the relationship with my first girlfriend didn't lead to marriage, but it did last 3 years, which is a long period, especially given our ages at the time. But then -- and this is what prompted my warning about potential heartbreak for Gingeee -- the phenomenon kicked in of the younger partner changing more rapidly than the older one; she found someone else, closer to her own age, and that was the end of the relationship. We parted on good terms, but I found the breakup very painful. I can well see this happening to Gingeee, and the chances are that it would happen long before three years were up.

So I still feel that caution is called for when the ages are like this, but not a blanket "don't do it!"

Again you are incorrect - intercourse is NOT the only sexual contact forbidden when a person is underage. That does NOT vary from country to country, from State to State.

Are you telling me that there is any State in the US in which oral sex with an underage person is NOT unlawful sexual contact?

Nope, certainly not. My not-very-scientific scan of the Wikipedia article on the age of consent in the US indicates that most if not all US states include oral sex in their definition of penetration. However, they do not all include other forms of sexual contact. For Gingeee, of course, the relevant law is that of Scotland.

But we're getting away from her original question, which was not "Is it illegal for a 19-year-old to have sex with a 14-year-old," to which Scottish law clearly gives the answer "Yes!". She was asking "Is it wrong for a 19-year-old to like a 14-year-old," by which we assume she meant "be attracted to" or perhaps "start a relationship with." And the answer to that question is much more complex!

BTW, one suggested formula for working out an acceptable age for a partner (note, not the age at which sex would become legal) is:

0.5 x (age of older person) + 7

According to that formula, the "Minimum Boyfriend Age" for a 19-year-old-girl would be:

19 x 0.5 +7 = 9.5 + 7 = 16.5

By that formula, this boy is indeed too young, but such things can only ever be a guide, not an absolute rule.

And I'm guessing (though I could be wrong) that most of the posters on here are from the US. It does sound as if there could well be a cultural difference in attitude to age difference in relationships on the two sides of the Atlantic. Which doesn't mean that "anything goes" over here, of course, otherwise Gingeee wouldn't be asking the question!

Don't know if this is getting too off-topic, but what would people say was the lowest acceptable age in terms of morality and common sense for the boyfriend of a 19-year-old? The age of consent in different countries and states we can look up on the web. I'm interested as to what people feel is right, and on what they base that. Which I think is also (indirectly) what Gingeee wanted to know (do correct me if I'm wrong Gingeee... if you can get past all of us arguing about the legalities!)

Srawcliffe,

How long ago was your particular relationship?

Not exactly. I'm saying she should be very careful about having this relationship.

It sounds like it could possibly work out, but it also sounds like it could be the cause of considerable heartache, for both sides. You're right about the improbability of the relationship lasting, and that's certainly a factor to take into account. Whether that means we should err quite so far on the side of caution as to always discourage this kind of relationship, I'm less sure.

Certainly, the relationship with my first gf didn't lead to marriage, but it did last 3 years, which is a long period, especially given our ages at the time. But then -- and this is what prompted my warning about potential heartbreak for Gingeee -- the phenomenon kicked in of the younger partner changing more rapidly than the older one; she found someone else, closer to her own age, and that was the end of the relationship. We parted on good terms, but I found the breakup very painful. I can well see this happening to Gingeee, and the chances are that it would happen long before three years were up.

So I still feel that caution is called for when the ages are like this, but not a blanket "don't do it!"

You really have to be kidding. In what fantasy world do you think its OK for an adult (19 is an adult) to carry on a romantic relationship with a child (14 is a child). I'm sorry, but that is just wrong through and through.

As for your formula, that formula may work when both parties are adults or both are non-adults. But it does not work when one is an adult and the other is a child. This has been discussed many times in many venues. Unless you are a member of NAMBLA, this age difference is wrong. And I'm not even dealing with as physical relationship. As I said in another post, there are reasons for age of consent laws.

Frankly, I think your responses to this type of an age gap (not just in this thread) is simply a rationalization to justify your own inappropriate relationship.

Frankly, I think your responses to this type of an age gap (not just in this thread) is simply a rationalization to justify your own inappropriate relationship.

I wonder what he will say when his 9 year old daughter turns 14 and wants to date a 19 year old.

From the way this is going, he'll be "fine" with it. Undoubtedly his daughter will be very mature and the boyfriend will be very un-mature.

From the way this is going, he'll be "fine" with it. Undoubtedly his daughter will be very mature and the boyfriend will be very un-mature.

Well, aren't most 14 year olds very mature for their age? :p

From the way this is going, he'll be "fine" with it.

Maybe I won't. Maybe I'll scream "Get your filthy paws off my daughter, you pervert!" But that's because when it's my daughter my reactions will be largly emotional, whereas in the case of a person I've never met, they can be largely rational. That I consider my reactions rational doesn't mean I consider them beyond criticism, of course.

Naturally, I hope that if the situation arises I'll be able to look objectively at all elements of the situation and react in accordance with the facts. Time will tell.

I can guarantee that you will see a much older guy who has no business with your daughter and you will forbid it because it is just plain wrong, emotional and factual.
There is nothing logical or rational with allowing a young man to date your 14 year old barely teen daughter.

Maybe I won't. Maybe I'll scream "Get your filthy paws off my daughter, you pervert!" But that's because when it's my daughter my reactions will be largly emotional, whereas in the case of a person I've never met, they can be largely rational. That I consider my reactions rational doesn't mean I consider them beyond criticism, of course.

Naturally, I hope that if the situation arises I'll be able to look objectively at all elements of the situation and react in accordance with the facts. Time will tell.

What goes round comes round. You can look on every web site from here to Iceland. It is wrong to have a relationship if you're nineteen and the girl is fourteen.

What happened to the young innocent girl you dated?

Hmm - appears that the 12 year old/19 year old were having some sort of quasi-sex - https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/teens/how-get-your-boyfriend-kiss-you-482415.html#post2441749

I don't want my daughter at that age to be kissing some 19 year old guy, immature or not.

Hmm - appears that the 12 year old/19 year old were having some sort of quasi-sex - https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/teens/how-get-your-boyfriend-kiss-you-482415.html#post2441749

I don't want my daughter at that age to be kissing some 19 year old guy, immature or not.




I wouldn't want him within ten miles of a middle school!

Originally Posted by JudyKayTee
Hmm - appears that the 12 year old/19 year old were having some sort of quasi-sex - https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/teens/teens/h...ml#post2441749

I don't want my daughter at that age to be kissing some 19 year old guy, immature or not.


Yeah, I wonder if it was this 12 year old he was dating. The creep.

Is it wrong to like a 14 year old boy,no,I like the 13 year old kid on my street,he's a lovely kid well mannered,and seems to be not a thug for his age group.

BUT,this is where it differs from your like,the kid on my street,barely makes a bleep on my rader,I don't think about him I don't need to ask anyone is it OK that I like him,because I view him as a kid.

He's just the kid who lives on my road who sometimes does odd jobs for the neighbours... end of.

The fact that you even asked the question is a red flag,you seem to feel a connection with this kid,that is what makes it wrong and not OK.

I see no difference in a women posting 'is it OK to like a 14 year old' or a man posting the same question.

The question you should be asking yourself is why you feel the need to befriend him,what is lacking in your life that makes him attractive to you (attractive as in wanting to befriend him)

What's wrong with guys your own age,although that queston has been asked here,perhaps its something for you to consider.

I would advice a man to seek councilling before this got out of hand,and I would advice you the same.

Okay, here we go. This is my first post on this website, but please don't think that will reflect on the quality of the advice I am about to give.

Can a 19 year old be friends with a 14 year old? I think so, especially if the 14 year old is more mature than is usual at that age, or the 19 year old is less mature than usual. That said, pursuing a relationship with this person would probably be unwise. I know you've said that you don't want to, but I figured I'd make my opinion clear on that matter.

How, you ask, do I know that a bond can be forged between people of different ages. I am 19 years old myself, and I have a girlfriend that is 16. The age gap in this case is only 3 years, but I am sure there are people on this site that would find that inappropriate, especially since I am an adult and she is not.

In regards to sexual relations, the age of consent where we live is 16, so it wouldn't be illegal, but that is neither here nor there.

Now, this girl and I got together one and a half years ago (when I was 17 and she was 15). Her parents know me, and are just fine with me. They've even gone so far as to say that I am good for their daughter.

As for which of us is the mature/immature one... She's been through a lot of terrible things in her life. The kind of stuff that makes you grow up too fast. She's WAY more mature than the average 16 year old.

Now, why was that story relevant? The crucial difference between you and me is this: My girlfriend and I were both minors when we met. Our relationship wasn't against the law, and still isn't now. Even if it were, her parents approve of me.

My advice to you, if you are interested in him, would be to remain friends with him. In two years, he is 16, and that is the age of consent in the UK. If you really insist upon a relationship, you can try to pursue then, but his parents might forbid it, in which case you might have to wait until he is 18.

That's my opinion anyway, and I know some may not agree, but you won't be breaking any laws by following my advice, which is more than you can say if you pursue the relationship now.

I find it beyond my ability to comprehend how adults can be attracted to 12 13 14 year olds in any manner that even resembles a relationship.
A mentor , or big brother or sister I can understand. And kids that age are fun to be around and interact with but on a totally different level.

I think it may be a conscious or unconscious effort to have the chance to raise your spouse as you see fit. It could mean groundbreaking learning methods like "time out" for not bringing me to orgasm.
The wives could have a Barbie dress up while the husbands drink beer and watch football.

Or the wives could drink wine while the boys play X box.

This is so wrong on so many levels how can anyone participate or defend these actions .

I am considering classes in Abnormal psychology... advanced. Then I might understand.

I am 19 years old myself, and I have a girlfriend that is 16. The age gap in this case is only 3 years, but I am sure there are people on this site that would find that inappropriate, especially since I am an adult and she is not.

Now, this girl and I got together one and a half years ago (when I was 17 and she was 15). Her parents know me, and are just fine with me. They've even gone so far as to say that I am good for their daughter.


Your situation is very different than the OP's. So different it doesn't begin to relate. I see nothing wrong with your relationship. The gap is, apparently less than 3 years since you started dating at 17 & 15. You have been together for over 2 years and her parents are aware and approve.

The only problem I see is that you hint that your relationship may have progressed to physical. At your ages, this can be dangerous because a pregnancy can be life changing.

To the OP
We're talking breaking the law here.

This boy is fourteen! If you didn't think there were something odd about this relationship, why even ask?

I think the relationship is wrong.
If you're"only friends" at this point, it will change and it will be you that pursues it.

I hope I'm wrong.

I find it beyond my ability to comprehend how adults can be attracted to 12 13 14 year olds in any manner that even resembles a relationship.
A mentor , or big brother or sister I can understand. And kids that age are fun to be around and interact with but on a totally different level.

I think it may be a conscious or unconscious effort to have the chance to raise your spouse as you see fit. It could mean groundbreaking learning methods like "time out" for not bringing me to orgasm.
The wives could have a Barbie dress up while the husbands drink beer and watch football.

Or the wives could drink wine while the boys play X box.

This is so wrong on so many levels how can anyone participate or defend these actions .

I am considering classes in Abnormal psychology ....advanced. Then I might understand.
Have to spread the rep but you are so right!

Yeah I'm 19 and I wouldn't go with a 14 year old...

I think at this age especially, is the whole expirence thing.. I mean, at 19 your much more matured with more life expirience then a 14 year old... so it may not affect you but it may affect them

I have noticed that the "older" people dating the "younger" people usually use the line "he/she is very mature ..." as opposed to "I am very immature."

My experience was when I was in my early 20's I dated a man older than my father (to my father's dismay but I was a self-supporting adult). It was a wonderful experience, he was a terrific guy, it ended because I wanted children and a picket fence and he already had done that, been there BUT when it was over I was sort of out of the loop when it came to people my own age.

I think that's another issue with younger/older - when the 19 year old and the 14 year old break up where does the 14 year old fit in?

To add to what JudyKayTee said, after the 14 year persons innocence is gone, how does she relate to kids her age.
You can't go back to being a little girl or a young teen.
I guess that's one reason it's called cradle robbing.

Cradle robbing or worse.