I notice a common theme...

That's not to say I had no desire or choice, though it ended up being a real let-down.

I have done some reading on the matter and it seems common for girls anywhere from 8-20 to describe their earliest sexual experience as a "let down". Sexual attraction kicks in strongest at puberty and is obviously an evolutionary thing, as it facilitates reproduction. But sexual pleasure is not hardwired... why should it be? Even women who do not have sex till later in life (married, etc.) typically do not start fully enjoying sex until they have done it a few times... The brain needs a chance to create/enhance pathways associated with sexual pleasure.

I do wish I had had more time to "be a kid", but I ended up growing up real fast after that

On the rest of the subject of teen psychological development... Everyone takes it at a different pace and unfortunately its not always easy to pick what that pace is... I think it is worth "taking it slow" and learning to understand one's owns feelings and desires and putting that in perspective with the rest of life. While it seems like one should be able to jump right in at puberty and enjoy it all, having the teen years for a training ground does give one a chance to learn about relationships, and recognize good/bad aspects of a given relationship.

I'm glad you feel comfortable with life where you are at now. Would you say your earlier experiences put you at a disadvantage compared to "typical" kids growing up? Or perhaps you would have arrived at being the same person regardless, just gotten there by a different route? Thanks for sharing.