I accidentally did something illegal and it’s making me feel horrible?

[Anonymous]

Well here’s the thing, I dated a 15 when I was 18 and it was legal. But when she turned 16 and me 19 and when she was 16 I turned 20 ( she had a late birthday) I thought it was legal to send nudes but it’s not, At least not her to me. But this other 16 year old send me a nude when I was 20 but that’s illegal. And I had no fucking idea I thought if it was consensual it was fine. The people I talked too said it’s fine and I’m fine only because it’s a stupid law but because it’s legal. Im not even in to younger girls really, I think 17 is my limit but I still feel like trash, even thought it’s probably way more common than I know

[Anonymous]

The law has some unintended consequences, but the law is there to protect girls from predators, and those who would take advantage of them. It's there to protect girls from being manipulated into having sex by guys who are more experienced and know how to manipulate girls into having sex.

[Asker]

I know this girl was having sex with guys older than me and shit, it was normalized where she’s from and I don't know I just fucked up big time and it’s really really chewing at me

[Opinion Owner]

You can't undo what you have done, but you can change the here and now, which also determines your future.

[Asker]

I made a mistake but I feel horrible to the point I wanna kill myself, like I know if look the facts this happens more often than anyone would admit, I’ve literally seen 2 people I know show sexual photos of people to people around them , like I know I’m not the only who’s done the same thing or worse and it be considered child pornography as dumb as that law is especially if it’s 100% legal to have sex with them. I mean even if it’s your both under 18 it’s bad. Anyways the thing is I know people who have done worse or be in a situation like me and nothing has happened to them either because no one cares or making this a bigger deal than it is. But I feel so horrible

[Opinion Owner]

You feel horrible, because you have a conscience. Having a conscience is a good thing. Work through this, and you will feel better, and will be a better person.

[Asker]

How can I work through this, am I over thinking this like am I bad person, should I accept the fact that I’m not even close to being the only person who has been through this

[Opinion Owner]

You can understand that everybody has done things they should not have done, and that we are really, all on a level playing field. We are all so much alike. Another way of looking at it is: There is so much good in the worst of us, and so much bad in the best of us, that it ill behooves any of us, to find fault in the rest of us.

[Asker]

I’m just scared like am I gonna go to jail, am I perv or a bad person, like I was just starting my spiritual journey and starting love myself and now I’m like child pornographer or something

[Twalli]

If you think that law is stupid did you know that two 14 year olds having sex have both committed statutory rape. Statutory rape laws do not state than one partner must be over the age of consent. It states that any person that is incapable of legally giving consent is statutorily raped.

[Asker]

I just feel so bad, I don’t want to go to jail or anything. Like even when I was 17 dating a 16 year old like we sent each other nudes and that also bad like wtf

[Twalli]

Don't worry. It is illegal because of the possibility of malicious intent. It's obvious that they were just sexy pictures between a boyfriend and girlfriend. As long as you don't still have those pictures there's no problem.

[Anonymous]

I'm pretty sure the age of consent is 16, so it should be fine. It sounds like you had been in a relationship for awhile too and she would be 17 soon. I think it sounds fine and you don't need to worry about it.

[Asker]

Well the age of consent is 16 but it’s illegal to send nudes or receive them if your under 18. I got some from my ex girlfriend and this other girl who was my girlfriends age, but I’ve gotten responses saying it’s legal and illegal and I feel like such a bad person

[loves2learn]

Take a deep breath. Delete the pics. It’s been a while. Move on. :)

[Asker]

Apparently it might me legal I don't know, I’ve gotten different answers but I still feel like shit

[loves2learn]

It’s in the past. You were in a relationship. Just as long as you didn’t distribute them. You’re going to have to give yourself permission to move on.

[OlderAndWiser]

You are between 25 and 29 years old, and you would date a 17 year old girl?

[Asker]

Ahhh I made this account when I was younger, so I lied about my age, I’m 21

[Asker]

Turned 21 last weekish

[KrakenAttackin]

Just hope those pictures never get into the hands of parents who might take them to the police. Other than that don't worry about it.

[Asker]

I still can’t help like feel horrible, it’s like a really horrible overwhelming feeling. From what I’ve heard even if the cops get involved nothing would happen and people thinks a dumb law from where I am. But it still feel so bad

[KrakenAttackin]

Why feel bad about horny AF teen girls (16+) who are dumb enough to send pics? Don't feel bad just don't go to jail.

[Asker]

That’s out of my hands though

[KrakenAttackin]

So don't worry about it.

[Asker]

But I don’t wanna go to jail