About emoticons... well depends... i tend not to use them because i mostly like to use "expressions" like *smile* [
] or *laughs* [
) ], *grin* [
] etc... because besides being more understandable by anyone it's also inRP.
About the age... actually if you didn't check my profile, i am not 24 or anything, i am 16... and believe me that i can loosen up and i do that a lot... but it's just that i have a ... unique personality. I tend to loosen up only when i discuss with those close to me... and i keep a formal "stance" when with those i have yet to know (like you for an example).
If in time we become closer friends you might begin to know more things about me that not everyone knows... and that might prove you that i am totally different and can be a really good friend and person.