I'm 17 and in a romantic relationship with a 40 year old. What should I do?

This question is for those who won't judge my relationship... If you feel you have to say something rude. Don't bother commenting.
Anyways... He's not a bad guy. At all... Originally i lied about my age and told him I was 18. Then eventually told him I was actually 17. He began to text me less and act a bit more different... More reserved so to speak and eventually he said he's willing to continue this but he has to protect himself. I look nothing like a child... I could pass for 20 if I could. The issue i have is im fustrated... I want to be with him but at the same time I'm scared of beong with him. If I leave i won't ever find a guy like him... If I stay... He most likely will die earlier than I want him to and hes a very active risk taking guy. I still would very much like to be in his life even if hes not my bf but what 40 year old wants to have a friendship with a 17 year old. He can barely text me. I doubt he'd want to ever meet again... I love him so much. You have no idea. :/ his intentions with me were never sexual... He flirted a bit when he thought I was 18 and then completely stopped that and just conversed with me after finding out I'm 17. I just don't know what to do or how to feel anymore. We met once and I want to meet him again... At his place. Not for sex. I want to know him deeper and have a closer relationship. Hes not a pedophile. Hes not a bad guy.

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SW-User

People weren't hating on you yesterday. They were concerned for your well-being. He's older than you. He's stronger than you. He's charming and you have feelings for him, which means he could manipulate you easily if he wanted to. I'm not saying he is. I'm not saying you're stupid. I'm saying you're playing with fire and you're going to get hurt in some capacity sooner or later.

You really need to think about what you're doing. You're posting this, and AFAIK you're meeting him in secret. You must be having doubts. What if you get pregnant? What if you two don't want the same things? What if he suddenly decides he wants more than you're willing to give and he tries to pressure you into something you aren't ready for, but no one knows where you are or what's going on when you need help?

We're just asking that you try to think about this and be responsible. But the way you're misinterpreting what people are saying implies that you've made up your mind and don't truly understand the implications of what you're doing (or worse, you don't care). And in that case, I don't know what you want us to say. If you came here for support and asspats, I'm sorry.

SW-User

@SW-User yes, exactly. Well said.