Hi @Someone1 !     Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and feelings with the forum, its not easy to do that. I don't exactly know what you are going through, but I hope you are okay. It's hard to see the people you view close and as friends doing things and making plans without you. That is really hurtful of them and something a friend shouldn't do. If I were you I would address it to them, or just try to find other friends to get close to. Additionally, I recommend that you focus on improving yourself. This is something that I really think is important during times like these. You are the one person that you will always be with, so might as well get along with yourself and be the best you. Find hobbies you enjoy, exercise and work out, get a job etc.   I hope you are okay friend.     ... View more

Hi @_navyi !   If you are referring to how old someone should be to start dating, that really depends on person to person. Firstly, you both need to be mature enough and responsible enough. Personally, I would say that high school is an acceptable time to try serious relationships. If you are younger there is also nothing wrong with having crushes and hanging out with each other.  If you mean how early into knowing someone, then It also depends from person to person. Personally, I would say give yourselves enough time to know each other and get a feel for your chemistry, whether that be weeks or months. Really get to know each other before committing to anything.   Hope everything goes well friend ! ... View more

Hi @jasmine_8  !     I hope you are doing well friend, thank you for reaching out. I personally don't have much experience with OCD but I just wanted to show my support for you and give you some encouragement. I'm not sure if you are religious or not, but you mentioning prayer is really good in my opinion, and as a Christian, it finds that it definitely helps. Also, try your best to not stress over others as they might not understand, instead, I suggest talking to an adult, teacher, or therapist or counselor if your school offers them.   Hopefully, you are okay, and I know that you will get through this! Good luck :)  ... View more

Hi @C888r !   I hope you are okay and adjusting well to the suggestions some of the other members have said. Whilst using your phone is nothing bad as its an amazing device with such power for information, communication, and entertainment, everything is best with moderation. I understand it can be particularly hard especially during COVID where we are more stuck at home, and going on the phone is such as addictive and easy escape, I do recommend that you try to balance things out more often and try to prioritize your studies, exercise, socialization, and being organized. As someone who procrastinated hard during high school, and developed some bad habits with putting off work and being stuck to a screen, I can definitely say that its best to work on yourself now when you have the time and space to do so before it conflicts with bigger and harder things like work, uni study / HSC, and your relationships.    That has just been my experience with things, and I hope whichever way you decide to go, you end up happy and healthy! ... View more

Hi @Clementine75,   Feeling homesick and missing your friends and those close to you can definitely set you in a bad mood, and make you feel down. But its a completely normal feeling to have and it's not something that will last forever. Maybe you can try to reconnect with your old friends and video call them, do a Netflix watch party online, or play some video games. There are plenty of ways to spend time with people overseas using the internet, and during times of COVID its become a lot more normalized too.    I hope you start to feel better friend.  ... View more

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Hi, @A_Friend !   I definitely will do that! and on second thought, I've actually been eating a lot of salad lately. Additionally, I've been really into avocado lately despite me hating it in the past so tossing that inside a salad is always easy and great.     ... View more

Hi @Tiny_leaf !   I hope you are doing well my friend. I don't really know many recipes, but as someone who is always on the run and very busy, I don't have much time to prepare for food, so I've had a few favorites that I buy and that I always grab that are yum and convenient including: MUFFINS (very good, has lots of variety, goes great with tea or coffee) probably my fav BANANAS (very healthy and convenient to eat) you could eat 3 in like 1 minute.  SOUP (little controversial but I really like Continental - Cup A Soup. Its powered and just needs water but ITS very good in my opinion.) Recommend the chicken noodle soup. Good luck friend! ... View more

Hi @Ballmuncher    I would definitely go get that checked. Don't feel embarrassed at all to do so.   Good luck ! ... View more

HI @A_Friend  !   I remember really being into cooking for a little bit, and its a little sad that I haven't been able to find time to do that lately. I loved seeing this post because it reminded me of trying to cook and the satisfaction of getting it right. I definitely recommend cooking as a hobby or just as something to try since people will have to cook sometime down the line, might as well learn how to do it well.   As for my hobby right now, I really enjoy playing volleyball casually, its a fun sport to pick up even though it can be a little hard at the start.   Stay happy friends!  ... View more

@wanderingwasp    I really love fun facts and trivial information.  My contribution will be:   The person who was is most commonly regarded as the one who fathered the big bang theory, was actually a priest by the name of Georges Lemaitre       ... View more

@Maddy-RO  !   1.What do you look forward to when you wake up every morning? Greeting my SO a good morning, and talking to her. 2.Do you believe in psychics/mediums? No, not really, however, I do believe in God and in spirits. 3.Do you wish you could talk to animals? Yes because I would be able to hear dogs and know more about pets, but also no because I feel like it would get overwhelming too fast. 4.What problem or situation did TV/movies make you think would be common, but when you grew up you found it wasn't? Catching a Taxi was something I saw so commonly in TV and movies, but when I grew up I only ever caught a max of 10 taxis that I can remember since public transport was just so much easier and convenient. Now we have Uber too.  5.If you could know the absolute and total truth to one question, what would you ask? What is my passion and calling? Questions for the other: What is a guilty pleasure? When do you think you'll know when you've "made it" (when you are married? dream job? etc.) Would you rather explore the hidden depth of the ocean? uncovered lands? or space? What's something you wish you could do or pull off if you had more confidence? If you could create a new law that everyone has to follow, small or big, what would it be ? ... View more

HI @Agenderandproudofit !!!!   HAPPY LATE BIRTHDAY MY FRIEND! I hope you had a great day, and that you were able to enjoy it in whichever way you were able to celebrate big or small!   Keep being awesome friend! ... View more

Hi @A_Friend !   I hope you are doing well. This is definitely a hard situation and COVID has been rough for many families. I personally have not experienced your situation first hand, however, my SO has had some instances that she had to go through that is very similar to yours, and I've had to support her. Some suggestions that I personally found was helpful was talking to hotlines. I know its daunting talking to strangers, but they can actually be really helpful, and they are also trained to give you advice on these sorts of things and comfort you.    Lifeline:  13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636   Also, don't forget to look after yourself during these times as you are just as important and your mental health is also a priority.    Good luck friend, hope you are doing well and you get through this :)  ... View more

Hi @Britany  !   I just want you to know that you will be okay. Thank you for posting and being brave. Whatever it is you are going through you will get past it. This is also a judgment-free place that you can feel supported in. Hope to see you more on the forums friend :)   With your situation, I suggest talking to your dad first, or even talking to teachers about these problems. I know its scary, but talking to an adult can really help.   ... View more

Hi @jamijam  ! I love this post as it gives people ideas to help cope with things, and a chance to be grateful.   Some few things that have helped me include: Staying fit, and doing even the smallest amount of exercise as its good for your body and your mental health to know you aren't just sitting around all day. Focusing on uni work has been a huge help as it keeps me busy, and being at home has made studying more efficient to some degree. Spending time with my family is always nice. Spending time with my SO and watching Netflix shows with her as a nice substitute to a date, and a fun way to relax.  ... View more

Hi @StarGirl101  !   I always love reading these threads to give myself motivation and a bigger perspective on being grateful :)   My three things that I am super grateful for is:   1. My SO and best friend, as she keeps me motivated and never fails to make me laugh.    2. The weekly volleyball sessions I'm able to attend, as its an escape from home that I always enjoy which is also a good way to socialize and stay fit.   3. My bed, because I feel like it's my safe space that I can run to when things get overwhelming. ... View more

Hi @Princelee  ! Thank you so much for this post, I just came back to it after seeing it a few weeks back as I have been feeling stressed and overwhelmed lately. You have some great tips that helped me gain a new perspective which cleared up my head.   Thanks and keep up the good work ! ... View more

Today I am grateful for my SO and her strength and passion about learning. She motivates me so much and shes one of the strongest and most amazing people that I know. She has helped me get my life back on track and she doesn't realize how big of an impact she has made on my life. ... View more

Hi @OnionBoy  !   I hope you're doing well, and the best advice that I can give you is to be honest with him and talk to him about things openly. You may need to wait a while if your boyfriend needs time to cool off and have space and you need to respect that. I hope you guys are okay and that you are feeling alright.  I understand this whole situation can be scary and can make you anxious thinking about losing someone you care about but I am a firm believer that if you are meant to be together, things will work out as long as you try your best.    ... View more

Hi @Freww !   Getting your mistakes pointed can be very jarring and sometimes even embarrassing, It took me a long time to handle whenever people pointed out that I did something wrong. However,  over time I realized that criticism is very important for growth. The more you get it the more you can develop tougher skin and not be bothered by the negatives so much and take it personally. Instead you can focus more on the improvements you can make and the advice/silver lining of the situations.   Hope you get past these things friend and good luck on the art !  ... View more

Hi @Boatsman15  !   I hope you are doing well friend. Bullying is a very hard thing to go through and I hope that you are okay and that school hasn't been too hard. One thing I want to remind you is that you do not need to change yourself and your interests. Being into those things make you who you are and it's sad that people don't appreciate it. You are 14 and you will get through this I promise.   Focus on the things that you love, and keep developing tough skin and don't let the bullies get to you because people just pick on those that they are jealous of. People bully when they themselves are insecure.   If life around is feeling lonely don't forget that there is a community around you that is always willing to help and talk.     Hope you are well friend, and that things get better :)   ... View more

Hi Tori !     The search for happiness is a very strange thing since no one else can give you the answer, but we can sure help :) You can start with hobbies, new shows, start exercising or taking care of your body more, or just find new communities (there are tons online and during COVID its a good time to start). I feel like you can try to change things up a bit to give yourself new motivation.   With your current friends, I'm sure that they won't completely disappear but it's understandable to feel lonelier when people get busy.   But one of the most important things I have learned is that you need to learn to love yourself first and be happy by yourself first before anything else. This is because people won't ever stick around forever as sad as that maybe - you are the only person that will always be around.   I hope things work out well friend.  ... View more

Hi @Brian6787     Arguing with friends is always a hard problem to have and being stuck in the middle is never a fun position to be in. First of all whatever the problem is, if your friend says that she is hurt and that she will take time to be okay, don't expect them to get over things quickly. Trust me, I understand that it may be hard. I'm someone who gets over problems easy and wants to solve things ASAP and just move on, but I realized with my SO that people are not always like that.   Your friend might take a long time to get over things, but you just need to support them and be there for them. They can forgive you and accept your apology, but don't expect them to forget about what happened straight away. If things pan out faster and things clear up soon then that's good but keep an open mind that people don't deal with problems the same way that you may hope for. I understand what its like to feel alone especially during these times, but if you need someone to talk to Reachout is always here with many forums that are less serious if you want someone to chat to.   Hopefully, things work out friend. ... View more

Hi @ExcellentBeing5 !   I can relate to how you feel to some extent. I'm sort of in the same boat (same age, going to uni, have had thoughts about friend groups, etc) and quarantine hasn't made it easy to meet new people and moreover keep those connections going. For me I actually really wanted to meet a new friend group when uni started and get close to them at uni and it hasn't worked out that way since I've been so busy with studying, and thankful I met my GF, and spending time with her has been great so I haven't been too disappointed with not making new close connections. There are some other things I could suggest you do like trying to find friends through online communities but honestly, that is hard as well.   Good luck for the future and finding friends, and can I also ask what you are interested in just out of curiosity? ... View more

Hi @Narcotial !   I think some kids do this because they project their own insecurities onto others. They might also think its funny to put down others, and then other kids just pile on because they think it's cool and want to fit it. Additionally, social media made it a lot easier to be exposed to various influences and kids are just changing so fast, but sadly I think this kind of behavior will always be around kids.  ... View more

Hi @scared01  !    I don't really have much to say, but the thought of surgery scares me a bit regardless of what its about, and I just wanted to say good luck and I hope things go well down the line and that there aren't any complications.   Good luck with everything and I hope you find the info you are looking for !     ... View more

Hi @Love_elmo77  !   Just wanted to check in with you, didn't realize you were going through the lockdown right now. Hopefully, things at home are okay and your relationship with your parents is working out. I'm not sure what they meant by those comments if they were just trying to make conversation or if they had some other motivation for it. Regardless I hope you are good and that COVID doesn't make things harder for you at home.   ... View more

Hi @Brian6787!   I've been on both sides of the situation with friends getting into relationships. I understand it can be really scary and anxious seeing someone you were so close to, get close with other people and the fear of being left behind sets in. All I can say is that if they are really your best friend, they are not going away. They may distance themselves here and there but they will come back to you. Usually what happens is when people get into a new relationship they spend A LOT of time together for a little while during that period as they get to know each other etc, and that's something you have to just try your best to respect and remind yourself. If they are real to you, then they will come back. You can always check in with them here and there and try to remain in touch, and maybe even use this time to reach out to other people and other friends, or alternatively focus on working on yourself by exercising, finding a hobby, studying, starting a new show and just doing something you love for yourself. I understand it's scary and hard sometimes but you have got this :) and remember, you have people here that are always ready to listen to you. I understand you've been through a hard time and you are doing your best to get by so please update us with how you are and what you've been up to! :) ... View more

@Love_elmo77    Hi friend! That's a very fair concern and I understand since you are quite in the dark with all these things. How have you been? Are things getting better and have you felt good lately about things at home, with your family, and things in general?     ... View more