Hi there, thank you in advance for taking the time to read this.

I’ve come to TinyBuddha to get the opinion of conscience folk who embrace the world without judgment.

I am 19 and have always been an old soul. Ever since I can remember, I have made friends with those who are significantly older or younger than myself. My friend group consists of those in their late twenties, as well as the young children I nanny for. “Dating” has always been a strange idea to me. In high school, I was in a 2-year relationship which (of course) was not the most pleasant experience, but it taught me a lot about myself.

Recently, I have tried to reach out and find more intimate connections, because I believe meaningful relationships are one of the most important aspects of life. My friend set me up on a blind date with someone she thought I’d really enjoy. I am a perfectionist so she didn’t tell me any details beforehand, fearing I would not agree to the date if I found a single flaw. The other person knew about me, however.

We met up at a casual restaurant and we hit it off immediately. We have similar life goals, have the same philosophical outlook on the meaning of life, we both hate materialism, have a yearning for adventure, and even are taking classes at the same school. Our first date lasted 7 hours. We made no physical (intimate) contact other than a kiss, which is a side note.

Before I could reflect on the perfect evening, the wonderful guy I was chatting with informed me of his age. He is 25. Yikes! this gave me a lot of anxiety. So much so, I can barely even remember what we talked about or what he looked like, because my stress has been so pronounced this past week!

I know this may be an abnormal reaction. My parents, whom I am living with for the next year until I move out, warned me that he knew I was 19 going into the date, and should have been turned off since he is so much older. They said this fact should cause me to take caution. I suppose I agree it is strange for a 25-year old to want to date a 19-year old.

I did not inherently notice an age difference as I consider myself to be very mature, independent, and confident. He is *almost* in the same stage of life as I am, and is very youthful. I am worried to tell my friends I really like him. I feel like it would sound better if I was 20 and he 26, but I am still a “teen”.

We have a second date planned this weekend (he initiated it). I am excited to see him again. But nervous because I don’t want to lead him on if it is unethical to continue the relationship. UGH! I don’t know what to do or how to feel. Am I being too rational, or the little voice in my head right?

I’d appreciate any advice. And if I was too vague, please feel free to ask questions and I can elaborate on the situation. Thank you again, in advance.

Sabrina.