Dear Miss Emily:
So I'm 16 and I've been seeing a 23 year olds for a couple months now. He treats me like a princess and he's the best boyfriend I've had. I really like him. My parents on the other hand do not like the idea of us seeing each other. I know it's a big age difference but I honestly don't care. I don't think it matters. My parents are making it very difficult for us. My father says if I get pregnant or he finds out that we've had sex he will press charges. We haven't gotten too physical yet but I'm scared that they'll do something bad. Most of closest my friends know about him and how old he is. One of my friends told her mother and now I'm being lectured even more on my decision to be with him. People keep telling me it's not the age difference but the maturity level. But I am much more mature then other girls my age. I know it'd be easier to date someone my age but I'd really like to see how things go with this guy. My parents don't see us or our relationship like I do, or my friends. If they could see it I think they'd think differently. I guess I just some reassurence from someone in doing what I'm doing and fighting for what I want. Please help, I need your advice. And thank you for your time.(:

----------------------------Miss Emily's advice-----------------------

From the tone of your letter, I can see you are a mature sixteen year-old. In defense of your argument, you could be having a sexual relationship with another sixteen year-old and, therefore, that fact nulifies the argument on the age difference between you and him. But your parents seem to see it differently, and that's the problem. Were they to find out that you and he had a sexual relationship, your father could very well make trouble for this man. It's a big risk, but one you and he, apparently, are willing to take. Because you are a mature girl for your age, I think you don't have to be told how a female gets pregnant. Taking precautions, were you to have a sexual relationship with him is paramount.  If your parents found out that you were having sex with this man, and brought in law enforcement, at least you can avoid pregnancy, making you safe on that score. Bottom line: Your boyfriend could get into a great deal of trouble were your parents to force the issue. Because you care about him, perhaps it's best to think on those lines.