Like everyone on here, I'd say go for it, but with hesitation because you need to go fo it with "2 eyes wide open and some more". I say this because its easy to become oblivious to some things easily, especially when the heart is involved, and not try to be rational. For now, u only know about his interactions and his past based on what he has told you, but by hanging out around him, you can actually see this, and come to jufgement on your own. You mention him having a child at 16, so his oldest should be 15 now. Realize that this is significant, and if the thought of this makes u cringe, then why bother getting serious with him.
On the other hand, life is all about risks, motivational speaker Leo Buscaglia said
"The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, and is nothing. To Laugh is to risk being a fool. To weep is to appear sentimental. To reach out to others is to risk getting involved. To love is to risk not being loved in return. The person who risks nothing may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot know, feel, change, grow, live, or Love."
Tread carefully, and go for it
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