By: Etta Brooks
Being a teen girl in Liberia is not always easy. Sometimes you need money for small-small things like recess food, hair, copybooks, data, or even transportation to school. And when money is not coming from home, it can be tempting to accept help from anybody who offers.
But one thing many girls learn later — sometimes the hard way — is that not all money is free money. Some people give you money today and expect something from you tomorrow.
So before you accept money from someone, it’s important to think twice. Here are five people teen girls should be careful taking money from.
1. The “Godpa” Who Is Not Really Family
Many girls hear about “godpa love.” At first it may look harmless. A man might start buying you phone credit, food, clothes, or sending you small money.
But many times, that kind of help is not just kindness. The person may start expecting attention, control your choices, or pressure you into things you are not ready for.
You may feel like you owe them because they have been “helping” you. That’s how many girls get trapped.
Just remember: real help should not come with pressure.
2. Older Men Who Approach You Near School
Some girls have experienced this before. You are walking home from school, standing by the road waiting for a taxi, or buying something during recess, and an older man starts talking to you.
At first he might act friendly. Then he offers money, food, or transportation.
But you have to ask yourself: Why would a grown man be giving money to a high school girl he doesn’t know?
Many of these situations lead to pressure, manipulation, or unsafe relationships.
Your peace of mind is more valuable than any small money.
3. Friends Who Introduce You to “Quick Money”
Sometimes the pressure does not come from adults. It can come from friends too.
A friend might tell you about an “easy way” to get money. Maybe it’s meeting someone, sending certain pictures online, or doing things that make you uncomfortable.
They might say, “Everybody doing it,” or “You can make quick money.”
But quick money can bring long-term problems such as reputation damage, safety risks, or emotional stress.
If something feels wrong in your spirit, trust that feeling.
4. People on Social Media Offering Money
These days many people meet online through Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp. Some strangers message girls offering money, gifts, or “sponsorship.”
But the internet can be very deceptive. You don’t always know who is behind the screen.
Some people start by sending small money just to gain your trust. Later they begin asking for things in return.
Always be careful about accepting money from someone you only know online.
5. Anyone Who Makes You Feel Like You Owe Them
This is one of the biggest warning signs.
If someone gives you money and later starts saying things like:
“After all I did for you…”
“You can’t even do this small thing for me?”
“You owe me.”
That means the money was never truly free.
Real support should never make you feel trapped or controlled.
Final Thing
Every Liberian teen girl deserves support, guidance, and opportunities. But not every offer of money is a blessing.
Sometimes protecting your future means saying no, even when the money looks tempting.
Focus on things that build you up such as your education, your skills, your dreams, and your confidence.
Because one day, the same girl who refused risky money will be the one making her own money with pride.
And that kind of success is the sweetest one.
