It has just now crossed my mind that my dA journal is one of my only outlets. Besides having heart-to-hearts with random friends, it really helps me to clear my head with this journal. (Albeit I rarely update.)

For the past few years, I have felt the strains of being a teenager. It's a tough time, but teenagers have to be selfish, as this is the only way that they can tend to their problems and their budding character, to insure that they will become functional, stable adults. I'm sorry if you disagree with this generalization, but my observations have led me to believe this is the case.

I feel like I have a long way to go in terms of self-esteem, responsibility, and maturity, but I'm getting better every day. I hope that this is the same for every other teenager my age.

— Change in Topic —

I care about people who make me feel good. And I like getting compliments, EXACTLY as much as I love giving them. Being on either side of a compliment exchange makes you feel really good. I don't think that we, as humans living in civilized culture, don't compliment people as much as we should. We feel creepy for doing so, unless we're complimenting a really good friend. But why can't you tell a stranger something really nice?

I guess rapists, molesters, murderers, alcoholics, and druggies have ruined it for those who otherwise might have been people-persons. Thanks, dysfunctional fuckers.

Anyway, this section is supposed to be me talking about how much I like people who make me feel good. I'm sure everyone can relate to this sentiment.

Why I like my niece: She's cute, small, and her personality is exactly like mine. It's flattering how many of my mannerisms she picks up. She's an oddly intelligent young munchkin, too, which I can relate to, having been a remarkably smart toddler, so that also makes her likable. She's like a miniature me. A truly beautiful scene to behold.

But I feel like there's so much potential with compliments. I feel like I would like people a lot better if more people complimented me, and I could get close enough to them to be able to compliment them.

I've lost my train of thought. The end.