There are a lot of people in this world who are in the same situation your in. Its not easy having a baby out of wedlock, but whats done is done and you have to do your best to either make ammends with your babys mother and be in its life that way or work something out as far as custody/visitation goes. But dont keep going back and forth with her, cause it'll just cause confusion in the babys life, and its not his fault that hes being born into this situation. so just make the best of the situation. If this doesnt make u grow up, then nothing will. and as far as other girls go...you dont want to be with someone who doesnt accept your situation, trust me- there are people out there who will be fine with it. I was in the same situation, Im 23 and I have a 2 year old and when I broke up with her father I thought that nobody would ever want me cause of my situation but there have been a number of decent guys that have showed interest and tried to persue things with me (But Im not ready). Also dont listen to anyone whos never been in a situation like this, its easy for them to ridicule you when theyve never experienced it. Keep your head up, life is what you make of it, and it can be so beautiful. My daughter changed my life in so many ways. Shes the best thing thats ever happened to me, I hope you feel the same way. And dont back down to her in court, get a lawyer and try to persue joint custody/visitation. Fathers have more rights than most people think.