Is he too old for me?

I think that this guy is really too old for you right now. He might just being trying to look out for your best interest when he puts down you current boyfriend. If you are wanting to pursue this guy I wouldn't to it for a few years. The age difference between you right now is too great, but the older you get the less it will seem. Once you are 22 or 23 the age thing will not be an issue at all. Enjoy your teenage years while you still have them.

I'll play devil's advocate here, yes it is true that if two people are in love then age should really have no bearing on the existence of a relationship.

The problem is that between a 17 year old and a 24 year old there is a more often than not there is a really huge maturity gap. At 24 typically you're beginning to take on more responsibility and you're starting to get your whole life in order while at 17 you're usually still very care free and conduct yourself differently.

I am 23 and I dated an 18 year old for a bit, it didn't really work out because although I found so many endearing qualities in her she just wasn't mature enough. She was very intelligent but she's was also very immature, always wanting to fool around while I had exams, not understanding me having to prioritize my life, and there were just so many levels we didn't relate to on a conversational level. Maybe I was looking for something more serious than she was, something that she'd deny. I was looking to start a career and she was still stuck in the 'fight the system' phase, I mean I could see a lot of me at 18 in her but when I tried to explain why I was doing what I was doing but she just couldn't understand.

As you go through life you just have those revelations that completely change the way you think and you can't really explain them to others, they just have to experience it on their own.

What you should consider is that just because a guy flirts doesn't necessarily mean that he is interested in a relationship. I flirt with girls all the time that I am not physically attracted to or have no interest in dating, I even flirt with my brother's girlfriend but I would never think of having a relationship with her, even if they broke it off. It's just casual flirting. Also, perhaps he is just looking out for your best interests and being protective of you as though you were his little sister. I casually flirt with a friend of mine's younger sister, she's only 16 and I would never think of pursuing a relationship with her, but if some guy were mistreating or trying to take advantage of her that guy and I would definitely have a long chat about how she should be properly treated. So in talking down your boyfriend he might recognize something you don't, a guy can often tell when another guy's only goal is to get in a girls pants.

there was an old saying I grew up with.in love age is never a bar.

But sometimes a mere crush wouldn't lead to paradise, try working with him. U've known him for life, practically just as a guy who was always there.they do have differently personality when they hang with their girls.

U need to measure that, before you say it out aloud.and anyway waiting a year to do that shouldn't be that difficult. at least then people wouldn't take offense of you being a minor ;-)

It's one thing if he talks your boyfriend down because he really doesn't treat you right. But if the boyfriend is a good guy and he still talks bad about him, it says two things. Yes, he's into you, but he'll tell you whatever works to his advantage whether it's good for you or not. If he fits in that group, then the age difference doesn't matter. Forget him anyway. If he doesn't have a better approach than cutting down the competition, you don't want him. Even if he was 17 or 18. He's flirting with you while you have a boyfriend, so why won't he flirt with others while he has you?

well, these things get complicated. love knows no age, but still, a 7 year difference? it also depends of HOW you know him. if he's like a friend and you have a crush on him, stay away. but if it's someone you could potentially go out with, it's up to you to decide.

Me and my boyfriend are 3years apart! And its worked out great! I think it doesn't matter what age you are as long as your passionate and really love him! At 18 it doesn't matter well any age really its just age!
Take your time as you may get heart broken as you never know what will happen!
Your choice, your life!
x

omg I have a similar problem but a little different I'm not sure what to do about my case but I know that when your 18 it doesn't really matter I say if you trust him and you feel as if he really likes you, you should talk to him about it ask him how he feels about the age difference but make good decisions don't rush into it if you are lusting for him more than your actually wanting to have a relationship with him because that will leave you heart broken just take your time with him it's great that you guys are friends that should make it easier so just talk to him and I hope it works out for you.