Questions

Alright- I have some controversial issues! Mwahahaha! I love it =)

First and foremost of interest to me and my life: In this day and age at this age (late highschool, early college) what would you say about a relationship with someone considerably younger? Actually, anybody can put their thoughts here, since I know in my family it's quite the controversy that my mother's sister married a man 13 years older. (But he's the best! Everybody loves old Billy Boy!) Anyway, I'm thinking of persuing a casual relationship with a freshman girl, and I'm a senior myself. However, I'm guilty of the Capism of imagining what my friends and fellow classmates would think. But, I need this, and so I need feedback.

Next issue: What are the chances of a kid getting published or any other similar feat? Do any of you know of anyone in this boat?

Last issue: What are you supposed to feel if your ex commits suicide? I'm not exactly rubbing elbows with mine anymore, but I'm worried, still, because she's manic depressant and she's got a LOT of pride, and she's still trying hard to mend it more than 2 months after I "ended" things. Things seem to be on the up and up- she's got a new boyfriend- but she still talks like she's carrying the burdens of the world on her shoulders. I'm just busy being me and doing everything at once and having a hell of a time doing it, too, but the last thing I want is for something to happen to her.

Hello Josh, first things first...

If you are 18 or over, be careful in what you actually engage in with this younger girl. Of course you know that, but guys need to be mindful of things like that in this day and age. Aside from the law, I would say it's perfectly fine to pursue her, although consider the fact that you're going to college soon (correct?) and she is not. Assuming everything goes well, you are looking at (at least) four years of both of you being in totally different places in your lives, both physically and emotionally. Of course every relationship has its hurdles, but there are special issues surrounding college-high school romances. Trust me, I'm speaking from experience. I think it would be good if you two went on a few dates, tried not to get serious, and had a good time with each other until you have to leave. A casual relationship is a good idea.

I know of "kids" who have been published in arts magazines and such...are we talking a novel here or poetry or what, I'm curious? My poetry got published about six months ago, but I don't think I'm allowed to call myself a kid anymore. lol. At any rate, judging only by your posts thus far on this website, I would say your chances are as good as any adult's. I never give false compliments, either.

On the last issue, you have to alert some kind of school counselor, even if you'd rather not for whatever reason. They can evaluate her and make a determination as to whether she's a true suicide risk, and they can help her. Don't worry, they will not drag her away in a straightjacket unless she needs it. Please trust me on this. If nothing else, you will not have to carry that added measure of guilt that you didn't alert anyone of she commits such an act. The pain of losing anyone to suicide is greater than imaginable, but to add to it the feeling that you "could have done something" is enough to drive you over the edge.

Take care Josh and let me know how everything works out 🙂

that should say, "IF she commits such an act"