I'm not worth this much energy

[ChadCoxRox]

Counselor this situation sounds like an opportunity for you to help this young guy truly benefit from a relationship that was risky for both of you. You have the advantage of maturity and you might consider using it to help him grow as a man and person instead of simply wishing for an "out." By approaching him like a grown man with open communication you too will certainly benefit and grow as well. Who knows what degree of genuine friendship over time might come of it?

While I agree with David's post, it is only one side of the story, and I think there is MUCH wisdom in each of the posts following. Gossemer is right in that your "beating yourself up" is likely more self serving. Blue is right that you deserve to hear the plain truth of the pain you are responsible for. And Mum is right that this kid needs quality supports to make chicken salad out of chicken shit.

BUT, I say, this kids also an 18 year old young man who has a right to be a part of deciding the situation. You two created it together, he at a clear disadvantage, but cutting the ties altogether may not be necessary at all. Some of the greatest characters EVER developed came from considered mentors. Granted, the boundaries are tricky because of the emotions and sex, but these are also potential tools.

Complete cut off hurt me at his age, and I've known it was NOT necessary all these many years since.