There's more to living than being alive

[inkdancer]

Some of you guys may be familiar with fandomsecrets. If you are not, it's a community basically like PostSecret which allows people to post secrets about their fandom lives. It is sometimes boring, often hilarious, generally full of fandom drama, and occasionally beautiful and touching. Today, though, there was a secret that absolutely broke my heart. It

Comments

[nefariousgrey]

People probably think tough love will help the guy out, but the truth is, we all use escapism to handle reality. It might be anything from roleplaying to writing to reading to watching TV. It's perfectly sane to daydream about living a better life and being a rock star or being a grand Hero, saving the day. It's just a matter of when you do it.

[inkdancer]

And I'm inclined to think that if he's come to a community where his identity is secret, he doesn't need tough love, he needs validation and encouragement. Of course, I'm naturally inclined to provide encouragement before toughness anyway, but I was still a little surprised at the harshness.

Heaven knows I enjoy running around as a bunny girl or a sky pirate and defeating evil. It's about finding balance. I hope this poor guy finds some.

[ironyaficionado]

Like all those commenters didn't have the exact same experience or have yet to have it.

[inkdancer]

I don't wish that for them. Nobody should have to feel the soul-crushing weight of their lives when they wake up every morning. But if you haven't felt it, don't be rude to the people who have.

[ironyaficionado]

Or even if you have, you should be able to recognize that having a supportive voice around helps.

[inkdancer]

You really should. Apparently that doesn't hold true though.