When we first began, none of us truly understood sex beyond what we gleaned from porn videos, and we were far from skilled. Our development with age-appropriate peers allowed for a gradual and steady growth, promising more with each experience if we persevered. These desires fueled my imagination and encouraged my explorations.
However, significant age differences can create a profound imbalance. When one party, particularly someone under 18, hasn't had the opportunity to develop themselves, and the other has 30+ years of experience, it's challenging to see that dynamic as anything other than exploitation of the inexperienced.
Once a young person, as in our case, reaches the age of maturity (18), they are better equipped to understand the consequences of their decisions. While we all develop at different rates, by 18, most have experienced enough of life to form a general understanding and are expected to take responsibility for their choices. Before this age, individuals are rightly viewed as children, as they lack the life experience to fully grasp the repercussions of their actions.