It's important to consider the legal and ethical implications of relationships involving individuals of different ages, especially when one person is a minor. In many jurisdictions, the age of consent laws exist to protect minors from potential exploitation and to maintain appropriate boundaries between individuals of different age groups.
As you were 15 at the time, depending on the laws in your specific location, this relationship might have been legally considered as statutory rape or another form of sexual misconduct, even if it was consensual. The 18-year-old could have faced legal consequences, regardless of their intentions.
While it is common for teenagers to explore relationships and experiment with romantic feelings, it is crucial for older individuals to recognize their responsibility to respect the boundaries and well-being of younger individuals. In an ideal situation, the 18-year-old should have been aware of the potential legal issues and power dynamics at play and should have refrained from engaging in a romantic or sexual relationship with someone below the age of consent.
It's important to acknowledge that at 15, you were still a minor and in a stage of emotional and cognitive development, which makes it necessary for adults to be cautious and considerate when interacting with individuals of that age group.
If you ever find yourself in a similar situation in the future, it is crucial to seek guidance from trusted adults, like parents or guardians, and to be aware of the laws in your area to protect yourself and others from any potential legal or ethical issues.