Back in my day the majority of us, even the shy bookish kids like me, would be well into drinking and clubbing (local dodgy nightclub and sixth form parties) by 16. It was easy to couple up and get boyfriends/girlfriends this way. Or we’d chat in the park after dark drinking cider. I know it’s not to be recommended but it’s how I grew out of being painfully shy and developed some social skills.
My DD is nearly 17 and not interested in alcohol. She’s autistic but masks well mostly and has a lovely tight group of friends. Occasionally goes to parties with old family friend’s kids where she chats to people but will be the only sober one. She’d like a boyfriend but doesn’t know how. She’s asked me for advice but my teenage years in a small Cornish town revolved around booze and drugs. How do teenagers meet each other these days?? Her close friends are girls or gay.