Some Wisdom to the Kids here.

Hey folks! I have been seeing a LOT of kiddos on this site.

Especially, a lot of kids who are putting themselves out there. While I am really happy seeing kids getting out there and interacting with each other (socialization is good!). I also see a lot of potentially risky behaviors. As such I feel like I should say something, for my conscious.

My wisdom: Be as careful how you can about how you make friends. This is important. The places and ways you find connections can determine the quality of these connections massively.

It's best not to beg for friends, or especially lovers. This can invite many dangerous types into your circles. Predators, Abusers, Manipulators, etc. It also may invite types of folks that just aren't sustainable friends or lovers.

I'm 26. I'm not yet an old dog but I'm also not a young pup, either. In my time I've made a number of mistakes and observations.

The internet is a wild place. Full of both opportunity and danger. Of love and pain. Of folks who stay and folks who go. Throwing yourself to the chaos will give you mixed results. Potentially harmful results...

I don't want you kids getting hurt unnecessarily.

My suggestion? Focus on building relationships in an "growing" way. A good relationship should grow at a healthy pace. Not arbitrarily, not forced. Go places where you may find good friends, co-exist with folks, let your interest in folks grow. Set yourself up for success.

All my best friends and relationships just sorta happened. Never sought out. Be yourself, put yourself out there, share things that are important to you, that make you happy and excited. Listen for those same people, you'll find good friends in no time!

Good friends may also make great candidates for good lovers. ;3

This advice is likely not complete, or accurate 100% of the time. But to all the kids out there looking for friends, for love. Who are lonely, anxious, and reaching for ways to alleviate their pain. I hope that this perspective gives you some guidance and helps you build happy and healthy relationships on the web.

Good luck out there and thank you for reading!