@Kullat-Nunu now that is very interesting.... both of black's bishops are not doing much, but white doesn't have much of an attack either. this is an intersting variation and I will certainly look further into this. Thank you for your imput

Well it seems you did not prioritize protecting your king during the opening salvo of the game. Should not have move f8 to f7.

Black was doing good until move 16.

But then the Rook sac with 17.Rxe6 must have disrupted Black's composure and from there Black's game started to fall apart beginning with 17....b6 18.Rxc6 Bxc5 19.Nxc5 Qe7?? instead of 19....bxc5.

For after 17.Rxe6 Bxc5 18.Nxc6 Bxe6 19.Nc5xe6 Qd6 20.Nxf8 Rxf8 Black would not only be ahead a pawn but also with a good position.

It is very clear, your opponent has more experience than you do. Numbers don't lie. You are playing 2023 and you are just 1559, with that alone your opponent has more confidence to win than you do.  Meaning no matter what movement you make, he is more keen in the ability to process his positions advantageous than yours.

I'm not sure they don't, my opponent here had his account closed for cheating. It makes me feel bad because he was my friend, but the analysis here will help me anyways. Thank you for your advice. BTW playing higher rated opponents is important for growth as a player, I'd rather lose rating points than make the same mistakes repeatedly

Well then observe how rated players play their games and learn from them.  Playing with them will only frustrate you.  It would be best to learn more tactics from seasoned players.  Getting their know how would greatly improve your ways of playing.

How abouit taking the knight on move 19.

Whenever I play similar rated opponents we could be making moves that are theoretically unsound, but not realize it because we are both beginners, when I play a much higher rated opponent they will exploit the error and you can learn from that. It's satisfying to win, but I only study and learn from the games I lose

What I mean when observing high rated players is not to play with them but to observe their games with rated players like themselves.  Here you will compare your way of thinking against them.  This is one way of learning.  You will never learn from playing with high rated players because it is you making the moves.  But by contrasting them doing such moves against rated players, you will notice why they make such moves.  Adopt their ways and improve it further, this way you will improve. But never drink when playing, surely you will loose.

not even coffee?

I mean alcohol. 

Tried to check your game again.  I think your 7th move f6 has given your opponent the advantage in the game.  Notice how he positioned his pieces after that move. Your square on the e6 is weak and became the target.

I see, several people mentioned that that was my main downfall. Thank you for your advice. @armhow, hey, are you currently a member of any of the teams here? We could use an active member like yourself in the 13th legion. It's a great group with a lot going on, I'll send you an invite because it's invite only.

Great, Thanks