Exactly. If under 18, they cannot consent. My view is these types of serious relationships should only occur when they can support themselves and their partner financially and emotionally. That simply isn’t possible if under 18, and hardly likely if under 21. Legally, they aren’t adults unless both over 18. At that point, go get yourselves your own place to live. If you can’t afford it, then wait until you can. |
I feel the same way. Sleeping over in the same room in the parents home implies a level of commitment and "legitimacy" (can't think of a better word) that I dont think exists in a teen relationship. I also think it adds a level of intensity that a teen relationship shouldn't have. |
I’m this OP. The main context is my brother’s family. It’s HS, but 12th grade. Relationship is intense but I think it would be that way regardless. It’s his DD (my niece), and everything with her is intense. It started mostly because the boyfriend lives about 30 min away and they didn’t want either driving late when unnecessary. So now it’s allowed, but maybe every few weeks or so, depending on plans. |
| This is PP - meant to say I was “this PP,” not OP. |
| No. Not bc of sex bc I think that’ll happen regardless of roadblocks but because it causes the relationships to become codependent and inappropriately intense before they are mature enough to handle it. It’s like playing being married and they are too young and stupid for that. And couples who get that entrenched - start making decisions like what college to go to based on their bf/gf, rather than what’s best for them. The break ups are also horrible |
I am “special occasion” PP. One kid was a junior, other was a senior. Only one drove. Distance was 30-45 min depending on conditions. One family lived in the District. The occasions included things like NYE and prom, but sometimes a “regular Saturday”. Admittedly, it’s a slippery slope, but comings and goings from the city make it tricky. |
I personally think this is a bizarre judgment call to make but also tells me that they are not in control in this situation and probably lost control/influence a long time ago if the reason given is to not have them driving late at night. In my house the solution would have been that the visit with girlfriend/boyfriend ends a half hour earlier to get home at a decent hour. Not “oh well…guess you better stay the night.” |
True. Under 18 they are considered infants under the law. An infant cannot grant consent. You know what that means. |