: Crushes at this age are often based on shared interests or proximity rather than true romantic attraction. Media Influence

This is a safe, low-stakes way to "practice" romance. It allows Veronica to try on the identity of being someone’s girlfriend without the complications of actual emotional responsibility or physical intimacy, which can still feel intimidating or confusing at this age.

Let’s talk about what Veronica is watching. She has outgrown Paw Patrol but is too young for Euphoria . She lives in the messy middle: The Baby-sitters Club , Heartstopper , Miraculous Ladybug , and an endless scroll of "oddly satisfying" edits of couples from Gilmore Girls on TikTok.