So I'm 21 and the guy a recently started dating is 25 and he has a 4 year old daughter, I've never dated someone with a kid before. It's early in the relationship but we're really falling in love kind of fast, and I want to meet his daughter, but I know he's protecting her because her mother left them, and she never sees her. And I respect so much that he's a good father. I just need some advice on how to be with someone with a kid?

Be understanding. Understand the fact that he has someone else that he needs to love and care for, along with you. Let him decide when you meet his daughter, like you said, he is only protecting her. He more than likely wants to wait until it is serious before introducing you to her, to prevent her from getting attatched to you and then you possibly leaving the picture.

I have dated someone with a child before, and it really wasn't any different than dating someone without a child. The only difference was the little treasure that was added to the picture. Just remember that he can't focus only on you 24/7. If you can deal with that, and not get jealous, you should be OK. :)

**EDIT** - You also have to keep in mind that you can't always go to places like bars or clubs unless you can find a babysitter. Most of the time you are going to have to find fun things to do that a child can be involved in as well. Its not so bad, I have two boys and love doing fun things with them. We go to the beach, the park, the zoo, etc.