do you ever feel your first contact was prolonged because of late discovery?

Naturally if the child grew up knowing they were adopted they are better equipped to dealing with making the step towards first contact if they choose to do so.. But what if they dont find out until they are 18, they are left dealing with so many emotions because they didnt know. I would imagine that in that case it would prolong any kind of first contact because of the circumstances. ANyone feel this way?