My teenage son is planning to propose to his high school sweetheart

A mother has been divided online after revealing that her 18-year-old son plans to propose to his girlfriend.

The concerned parent went to the UK advisory forum Mumsnet asking for advice on how to handle the nervousness of her oldest child making such a big commitment at such a young age.

The heartbroken teen soon plans to ask her family’s blessing to pop the question on vacation next month, when the couple will move into the same city together but attend different universities.

He admitted that they are unlikely to get married during college, but wants to show her that he is committed for life.

“He just graduated, a sensible kid most of the time,” she wrote.

“He’s been with a girl for almost two years, she’s the daughter of our close family friends, they basically grew up together, my DH [dear husband] went to school with her father, she turned 18 in April and also just finished her A-Levels.’

The mother explained that the young couple in love are “very, very close,” despite living an hour away and the couple never going to the same school.

“On every occasion he drives to pick her up and take her to ours or he stays with her,” she added.

Their friendship groups have even merged into one big community.

“I’m shocked to say the least,” she stressed. ‘He’s only 18!

“I didn’t know what to say, so I said I thought it was a bad idea, but I would stand by him anyway.

‘AIBU [Am I Being Unreasonable] to think he’s really lost his mind?’

The dilemma drew mixed reactions, as while some passed out at the romantic gesture, others assured the Mumsnetter that the couple won’t even make it to college together.

“Believe me, when they go to college things will change,” said one. “They will meet new people, their relationship may change.

They’ll probably break up. Most relationships will fail the test of college.

“Your son is young and in love, but give it a few years and I bet this relationship won’t last.

“If so…then maybe they’re meant to be together. Anyway, I’d stay out of it.’

“Of course you should be supportive, but college is a big life change that might make them reconsider,” added a second.

“And definitely encourage them to live together before they get married, and have good discussions about life plans, etc.”

A third also recommended guiding the couple to take it easy.

“Oh god,” they added. “I would also kindly encourage them to wait at least a year or two before making big irreversible decisions.

‘A lot can change in that time. If they just want to get engaged for now and don’t plan on getting married any time soon, it won’t hurt.’

Not everyone was equally hesitant, however, as many found the gesture romantic and grown-up.

“Although he is young, he seems quite sensible,” one commented. “Getting engaged at that age isn’t a bad thing — I’d be more concerned if they booked the wedding right away.

“Uni can still change their feelings…”

And others shared their own experiences in young – and lasting – love.

“I can’t judge at all because I got engaged at 18 and am still very happily married and in love at 42,” one poster gushed.

“I have two pairs of friends who met when they were younger and are now married. Be supportive. It’s his life to live, they may get married eventually, they may not.

“I hope her parents are okay with it.”

“I don’t think age is necessarily a barrier,” another agreed. ‘My DA [dear husband] and I were together when I was 18.

“We knew we’d be together forever by then and only waited to get engaged until we could afford a wedding, but the intention was there at 18 if you know what I mean.

“We’re in our mid-thirties now. Married 10 years and two DCs [dear children].’