met for the second time

Hi there. I've come to this board two or three times lately and I'm always impressed with the good advice given. I'm wondering if anyone has any thoughts on my relationship.

I'm a 29 woman and about four months ago I ran into a 21-yr-old I had not seen in four years. I first met him as a fellow church member when he was 15 and I was 23, I just knew his name and his family, did not know him too well at all. I was never in a position of power to him but the one sticking point for me is that for about a year when he was 16, I was a teachers aid of sorts for a sunday school class. It was informal and casual, at that age, they were all late teens, it was more of a discussion group. I never saw him outside of church. At that time, I just knew him as a really nice person, nothing more and he didn't ever say anything that wasn't anything a friend wouldn't say. So we did not see each other for 4, almost 5, years and then we bump into eachother and sparks have just flown. He is such a gentleman and funny and smart. It's the healthiest relationship I've ever had, he's really an amazing man and I feel like I have not changed one thing about myself, it's so refreshing. It's the perfect amount of attention and personal space. I really dig him.

I don't even think a 9 year gap is a big deal anymore, but again, the one sticking point is I feel some guilt about having first met him at 15 when I was 23. Part of me doesn't want to make a big deal out of something that shouldn't be one, but the other part of me doesn't want to do anything to hurt him. He's reassured me it does not affect him, and I do not harp on it, but it's still in the back of my mind some. I'm hoping someone can give me their honest opinion, I will take to heart whatver you have to say. Thanks!!

I wouldn't worry about it anymore, he is over 21 now and able to make his own decisions pretty much.

You did not pursue anything while he was underage, which is a good thing. This gave him the opportunity to grow into his own skin without any influence from you or a difficult time with his parents which he might have rebelled aganist, but now if he's as kind and loving as he was at 16 than be grateful that he's mature and grown into such an exceptional young man. Be still, enjoy the love.

Enjoy your time. Don't think about it so much, just enjoy.

Paris

I think Paris was right on the money. I'd just date him and see where it goes.
Do you always borrow trouble? It's not a good habit. *playful slap* learn not to do it!

Ali

I understand how you feel...I think what you have now sounds beautiful! Don't look back, just look forward and I hope that you are happy! I'm happy for you!

Thank you so much for your thoughts, ladies! It is so appreciated. You're right, I don't want to be creating an issue. It's just that I've never been in love before and I don't want to ***** it up or do anything that could hurt him :p But he says I'll hurt him if I don't give this a chance, so I'll have to trust him and my heart. But it doesn't hurt to hear that others aren't bothered by it, that should make me feel better when we start to tell our loved ones :eek: Thank you and goodnight!