To think a 17yo going to London (and staying overnight) is a bit odd?

[CVVFan]

Our eldest is doing that this week. Going completely on his own. We think he’s meeting someone but we haven’t asked. He claims it’s just for the “giggles” and explore beyond our sleepy town.

I don't think it's odd, there must be loads of teens who have heard about other big cities and fancy visiting for their own reasons.

If you have done your job right as a parent, whatever he's off to do, he would probably feel safe sharing with you. And as a near-adult, if he wants to keep it private, that's okay imo.

My thoughts exactly! What a massive, massive, reach!

Edited to add, I'm sure he's met someone and is going on a date. My only worry would be that young men meeting other men can be vulnerable so in your position, I would want to know where he's going to be, and ask him to check in with me to let me know he's safe.

I wouldn't be automatically assuming he is going to meet a prostitute.
More likely someone he met online, a date.

Wow I lived alone in London at 17. Can't imagine being stuck in my flat unless had a friend to go out with

Perhaps he’s meeting someone quite a bit older, and thinks you wouldn’t approve?

He might be meeting someone, but on the other hand... I come from near enough London that we used to just be able to go there for the day, so if it had been further I can imagine staying overnight. And I went to uni at 17, at which point my parents would have had no idea what I was doing.

He’s 17. He doesn’t need permission.

A leap indeed

He is going to hook up with guys and explore the gay scene OP. He won't be at the National History Museum.

I didn’t do this at 17, but at 19 I would go away and stay in hotels - it was almost cheaper than getting a taxi back to the arse end of nowhere where I grew up after a night out, and more fun.

Me too!

We know (or think!) he’s never been kissed and he’s very “romantic” so don’t think he’ll just hook up with someone from Grindr more like meeting someone for a coffee date

I’m surprised a hotel will take a booking from someone under 18. London hotels are also very expensive, where has he got the money from? I would insist on knowing the name of the hotel at the very least, in case of emergencies.

why would it be weird? Where do you live currently? I think it’s actually very mature and super exciting to want to see the capital and do it alone so he can take it all in without compromising.

He’s got a job so he’s got his own money.

My sons are still toddlers so I haven't had to worry about these sorts of convo's yet!

I would try and get into conversation that safe sex is still necessary even though pregnancy can't happen.

Also not to be too overwhelmed by the 'sophisticated city mouse' just because he has gone there to meet someone doesn't mean he needs to do things he doesn't want to. Of course he may well be meeting another lovely 17yr old and things will be beautiful. But I'd worry he is meeting a 30yr old.

I’d think he was going to a club, especially if there’s not too many gay venues in your town.

I did this aged 17 and 18 so I could go to gay clubs as there were none in my town (I'm bisexual).

He’s going to a gay party night in the city and will obviously be drunk and/or hookup so wants to be organised.

as someone said have a convo about safe sex and probably poppers if your brave

he must be adamant about using a condom. And if he is sexual active possibly getting on prep

Yes. 17 years old and attractive then he needs to be good with boundaries

They’re not all expensive there are travel lodges and premier inns near most major stations and wherever there are stadiums

He would if he lived in my house!

My parents let me do this as a 17yo girl to go and stay with my (mostly MSN messenger based) boyfriend who they had only briefly met once 🙈

FFS He's 17 not 5. I'd left home by that age and didn't have to explain my actions to anyone.

You have to be 18 to book a Premier inn. Don't know how carefully they check but it's a thing at a few chains.