The Attention Seekers

On average, these strange creatures are females around the ages of 12-15, if they exceed this age range then larger problems are present for them. You know exactly who I'm talking about when I say, "Attention Seeker." The Instagram obsessed teens take any opportunity to grab the attention of every needy boy. Every picture is followed by 80 hashtags that ruin the use of hashtags, #cute #love #but #smile. This attention is how they survive; it's what they thrive on. The facebook comments that read, "Gurl u so cutee," should be restricted and require approval from less hormone crazyed preteens.

If you're a young man who has written these comments, don't buy into it. They are not being true to themselves and they will be difficult people to handle. Also keep in mind that their need for attention obviously stems from a larger self-esteem problem.

 Most of the time, these girls eventually mature. Hopefully due to a "come to Jesus" with theirselves and not by someone else's hand. Girls, just remember that you will attract the kind of people that you portray yourself to be. If you're classy and sweet, you'll get that Prince Charming. If you're immature and fake, you'll get Ken. So, post that cute picture, just not one every two hours.

Love unconditionally.

Type 3: Long Distance Relationship (College)

One of the hardest things about falling love in high school is the impending doom of college. Are we going to the same college? You're a grade above me.... Is it worth it? It can ruin the chance for a potentially perfect relationship. It invented, "the one who got away."
For those who are brave enough to endure the long distance relationship, I applaud you. It isn't easy. If you're lucky, you get to see your significant other once a month. I'd like to see those PDAers survive something like that.
These relationships require, above all else, an immense amount of trust. Without trust, jealousy will eat away at everything you built. You don't only need trust in someone's faithfulness but you also have to trust that they will always be there for you. You have to have trust in the idea that you are still a big part of their life, even if they're states away.
Don't fret fellow romantics! There are BIG pluses in long distance relationships!

• You get to hand write love letters. Nothing will ever say "I love you" more to me than a handwritten letter. 
• Skype dates are adorable and perfect. Do you think a couple who goes to the same school gets those? Nope.
• Bragging rights. i.e. I'm dating a college boy. Boom.
• That first day together after weeks or months of being apart is like a first date. You get to experience those butterflies and that nervousness all over again. 
• You get more "first kisses" than any average couple. As Drew Barrymore says in 50 First Dates, "Nothing beats a first kiss." 
• You appreciate every little thing so much more. When someone who is such a constant in your life goes away, it's amazing what you miss. Seeing their face becomes a gift and less of an expectancy. 
• The amount that your trust grows. If you start a long distance relationship off  well with a good amount of trust, it only goes up, I promise. 

My main point here is that college shouldn't be an ending point for any relationship. And it shouldn't discourage you from going after that perfect relationship. Who knows, maybe that college boy (or girl) is your soul mate.

Love unconditionally. 

Flirts

Ladies and gentlemen, we've all experienced a professional filterer at one point in the past four years. They flash the half grin, giggle, and maybe even throw in a wink. When encountering these creatures, my advice is to proceed with caution; and be wary of becoming one. Let me address the ladies first.

Ladies, I know how easy it is to fall for the little compliments and charming good looks but before you go planning your wedding, assess what their intentions really are. Are they just having fun or are they really looking for a relationship? Always make sure you're on the same page with someone before getting involved and falling head over heels. Are you the only one he flirts with? If you're not, this could give you an indication of his true intentions and what he may be like as a boyfriend. Try not to become a master flirt yourself. Remember that kindness can always be perceived differently.

Gentlemen, I don't think it's any secret that women are complicated beings. We, ourselves, have a hard time figuring it out. I can let you in on a big secret about the female mind. We fall for flirts. It's like we're hardwired. I don't now if it's our natural born tendency to be drawn to attention or if it's just a want for reciprocating feelings, but either way, it happens. So, my biggest advice is to watch what you say and how many times you flash those pearly whites. A little flirting goes a long way in the mind of a teenage girl.

Flirting is a completely natural and fun way to show that you're interested in someone and to get to know them. But above all else, it is to be used sparingly and wisely. Good luck in your flirting endeavors.

Love unconditionally.

Type 2:The Sweethearts

If you're a member of the lucky few, you'll find your true love in high school, live happily ever after, and earn the title of "High School Sweethearts." As teenagers, we tend to believe that everything we have, including life and love, is immortal. The harsh truth of life usually hits us after that first big break up or when something more tragic happens to your life. Luckily, I haven't experienced a great deal of either so I'm still stuck with what I like to call optimism. I'd like think I'll be sitting on a porch in 40+ years with my husband (now boyfriend) reminiscing about how we met and fell in love as students of Lloyd C. Bird High School, but I know that's a lot to ask for.

Statistically, high school sweethearts have about a 2% chance of living happily ever after. That scares the heck out of me. Parents and adults tend to want to reassure us that these things just don't last. They take away that optimism, whether they mean to or not. They're the ones that make the statistics. This negative state of mind can ruin anyone (or relationship) from the inside, out.That feeling and idea of uncertainty will linger over your head. I say, forget their negativity and forget statistics. Only remember love. Stay in that optimistic bubble as long as you can. 

Love unconditionally.