Is 16 and 19 really that bad? (lemmings.world)

submitted 23 hours ago by blackwitch@lemmings.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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So, my good friend (18m) had a falling out with his ex (19m) because the ex bullied him and also because he is apparently dating a 16f, so my friend thinks he is a pedophile for obvious reasons (adult + minor).

I can see why this would be considered bad but also, when I turn 16, my girlfriend will be 19 too, as I am currently a young sophomore who is about 3 years younger than her girlfriend, a senior.

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[-] Zak@lemmy.world 15 points 22 hours ago

There’s the half your age plus 7 rule, but it doesn’t really work if you are under 22.

Doesn't it?

14/2+7 = 14. It's questionable for anybody under 14 to be in a romantic or sexual relationship even if the other person is the exact same age.
16/2+7 = 15. People tend to mature rapidly in this age range, so dating someone much younger is sketchy.
18/2+7 = 16.
20/2+7 = 17.

These line up with my intuition for the age gap being acceptable, not something that should raise eyebrows. A little outside that becomes a warning sign. A lot outside that is almost certainly abusive.

[-] ultranaut@lemmy.world 7 points 21 hours ago

21 and 17 can be a big gap, even 20 and 17 can be. It's not as clear cut as 22, which can also be sketchy but is at least recognized as fully legal everywhere. I think there's too much diversity in maturity and life experience at those young ages, the potential for issues increases so those kinds of relationships are inherently concerning in ways that relationships involving legal adults are not. I'm not saying they are inherently problematic, but if you know people with that kind of age gap you should be looking out for the underage person to ensure they aren't being taken advantage of.

this post was submitted on 11 Oct 2025

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