Whatis a young woman to do?

[Beautiful Innocence]

I am 17 and i was infected by an older guy. Now.. how i face a situation where i wanna still date i have needs too! ANd for me to date someone of my age would be hard for they would to be very mature and understanding, though a young person would most likely not want to continue this kind of relationship---having this kind of baggage. But I am so afraid to be with someone older again. though an older person would be a better choice right?!

I need some help! I would like any point of view from all perspectives both male and female. I just wanna a good manogomous relationship... even if i am hsv positive... DARN.

[MsLucy]

It's been my experience that age (and I'm assuming the guy wasn't like... 50 years old, but in his 20's?) does not necessarily equate with maturity, especially when you're speaking about the difference between late teens and twenties.

The question you need to be asking yourself is, just what ARE your needs? Forgive me, but I remember being 17. At the time, I was in a relationship (physical) with a man in his late 30's. Although he was an adept lover, sex just wasn't all that, and I think it was because I was too young to really appreciate it.

Is it really the sex you crave, or is the sexual aspect of a relationship at this stage in your young life more of an obligation you feel towards whomever it is you're seeing? Dating is fun, and you should date. But dating and sex needn't go hand-in-hand.

You're still in school, right? You have other friends to hang out with who are your own age? Why not just enjoy being young for a while, and let things take their natural course? When you meet someone you want to be with, you'll know, and then you can deal with how and when to disclose your condition. Left alone, things will generally work themselves out quite nicely.

We all need closeness and companionship, but those things happen with another person. They can't be forced. At 17, monogamy is a lot to expect for any length of time. Hell, at 50, it's a lot to expect! Go have some fun, and don't rush things. Someday you'll be married and have your whole life to be saddled with one person. Don't be in such a hurry.