Dear Annie: I saw your response to “Stuck on Snapchat’s” question, and as a rising senior who hasn’t used social media since sophomore year, it does get easier and less stressful.

My go-to response when people ask why I don’t use social media is simply, “It was horrible for my mental health and always seemed to make life harder for me,” and most people take that as a reasonable answer.

I won’t go into the full details, but social media, ESPECIALLY Snapchat, got me into some trouble when I was younger, and I really don’t think it’s as great of a platform as it’s hyped up to be.

Besides, anyone who pressures you for not having Snapchat probably doesn’t have the greatest intentions. Stay safe and off Snapchat; you’ll find your people. High school can be difficult, but as someone who’s almost done, here’s some advice:

No. 1: Don’t let people peer pressure you into ANYTHING; stand your ground firmly on what you believe in. If you don’t, it can lead you down a road you don’t want to go down.

No. 2: You don’t have to be friends with everyone. It’s all right to dislike people.

No. 3: Don’t put popularity above academics.

No. 4: Don’t dismiss red flags in ANY relationship, whether it be a friend or a partner. Don’t ever ignore red flags because you love someone. If that person doesn’t appreciate you for you, it’s easier to cut things off earlier rather than later.

No. 5: And last but not least, don’t stress too much.

No matter how hard things get, there’s one quote I live by: “It’ll all be OK in the end; if it’s not OK, then it’s not the end.”

Good luck in high school; I believe in you! —Advice From A High School Senior

Dear High School Senior: You are wise beyond your years. Thank you for your letter. I hope it helps others in similar situations.

Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.

“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].