Idk my bff's on el jay?
May. 31st, 2007 02:25 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
Okay, so, um. I am the kind of person to COMPLETELY and entirely distance myself from my online fannish persona. My family and friends know next to NOTHING about what I do online (or, at least, I don't think they do); they don't know about LJ, or who I chat with. My family knows that I like Supernatural a lot, but I don't think they quite understand how ridiculously DEVOTED and emotionally invested I am to this screwed up family, and they obviously don't know about the WRITING I do surrounding that. To be entirely truthful, I'm not a very open person. I just can't. My mom comes to me sometimes and says, "Why do you never talk about anything to us?" and I'm like, "...?!?!" Most of the time I don't intentionally hide things, but some things just stay hidden anyway. I don't want them to know how much I am in love with my fandoms, and about all the writing, and all that. It kind of makes me sick to think about. It's... well, truth to be told, it's kind of embarrassing. I have a very, very low self-esteem, and I'm kind of always wondering what people are thinking about me, which is entirely selfish and stupid, but with that kind of ammo? An obsessive personality is not neccessarily a good thing, and thinking about what my parents already think of me now with SPN and whatnot, it would seriously just kill me to let them in about what I do even more.
So I really have to wonder if I'm the only one. I get REALLY flustered and kind of turn beet red if any of them makes a reference to SPN or something (which is rare, but, you know) because... God, I don't even know why. Kind of like this, "if they only knew" kind of thing. I'm so... I'm so concerned about what they would think of me because I am so emotionally invested. You knock what I like, you knock who I am. And then I kind of want to crawl in a hole for a few days. Or something.
The reason why I'm asking is because I just bought PLANE TICKETS for $208 (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) from Tampa to Salt Lake City to meet
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
Seriously, I don't even know WHAT I'm gonna do for
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
I kind of already let it slip to my sister that I was planning on visiting some "online friends" during the summer, and yeah. It went as I would have expected it. And really, thinking about it from her perspective, I guess it would seem pretty weird. But... she also asked why do I never TALK about these people or what I do. Again with the talking! I don't... I don't think she was as much weirded out as she was shocked to learn that I do have close online friends? Which is a step up, I guess.
So I guess my question in all this is... help what do I do.
And now that I've bared my soul, I'm gonna go, you know, crawl under that rock. :\
no subject
Date: 2007-05-31 06:54 am (UTC)Of course, I don't know your family, and I know how rough it is being shy and having low self-esteem. Thing is, seems to me that hiding stuff you're into because you're ashamed of what people will think will only contribute to lowering your self-esteem further.
It sounds to me like your sister and mum and so on would just like to know more about what makes you tick. My dad was really pleased to learn about fanfic, because it meant he felt closer to me and understood more about my life. He was interested (if a little surprised), not put off or whatever. Your family loves you, they want to know about you.
OK, wow, watch me go with my completely uninformed Lifetime-movie pop psychology O_o. Disclaimer: I know nothing. (There, that should cover my ass, right?)
no subject
Date: 2007-05-31 08:03 pm (UTC)But seriously, y'all have given me a lot of confidence on this, so, seriously, THANK YOU. ♥!!!
no subject
Date: 2007-05-31 06:55 am (UTC)It's really hard to explain to people that no, these aren't just random people you met on the internet. Well, I mean, technically they are, but it's not LIKE that.
So yeah, it's definitely not just you.
no subject
Date: 2007-05-31 08:07 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-05-31 06:58 am (UTC)I think it's honestly the not talking about it with people thing that is making it weird for them. Like, one of my really good friends would get close online friends and never mention them until she was like "so I've been seeing this guy online for a year" and I'd be like "...wtf why did you never say anything?"
It's like they can tell you're uncomfortable talking about it and want to breach the subject but have no idea how.
Think about it like this: lots of people meet online. There are websites like eHarmony and Match.com specifically for meeting to date, and stuff like MySpace and FaceBook to meet to become friends!
Try explaining it to them like you had a penpal, it just happens to be online. And you talk on instant messages and blogs, instead of just email or snail mail. Because that's the internet for you!
Your parents will probably understand the penpal angle more than anything else you could throw out there. In the end, they're friends with similar interests that you talk to, but they live far away.
And don't be too freaked about the fandom stuff. The people who love you are always going to accept who you are, even if you love a TV show a whole lot, or go dressed as a pirate to a movie premiere, etc.
You'll always have good friends you can geek out with, even if they happen to be online. And you can always geek out with me and Dani. :D
Sorry for the lengthy comment! FEEL BETTERS.
no subject
Date: 2007-05-31 08:40 pm (UTC)Hee! Well that's good news.
The penpal angle does make a lot of sense, heh. I never really thought of it that way before. I'm not confident with my geekery in front of other people, but saying it that way may be a little less harsh, hee.
Seriously, thank you so much for this. And I DEFINITELY want to come geek out with you and Dani, like, a lot. I can take off for a couple of days or something the week after next. You guys are seriously made of awesomecakes. <3333333
no subject
Date: 2007-05-31 07:28 am (UTC)After muuuucchhh mental debate, I popped the question to my parents one day while having dinner at this restaurant. I can still remember it, down to where we were sitting. They said, "we'll think about it." A few months later (after much assurances and planning on my part), my dad was on the phone with Ivy, discussing the conditions of me staying with her for a few days on the other side of the state. Around two weeks later, I was in a car with her and her boyfriend, already having the time of my life.
To this day, I'm so happy that I made the decision to step up and tell my parents about this. It was almost like opening up to them in ways I had been terrified to before. They now knew that I had friends online and, more importantly, that I was rather close to these friends. In a way, they knew not to knock on me being on the computer as much as I was and still am. ... Of course, it's the first thing my mother threatens to take away, but whatever.
...I probably won't go farther with my escapades online, in fear of being disowned. If you think fanfic is bad, imagine having to tell your parents that you roleplay almost every day as mostly male characters. Er, mostly male characters interested in the same gender. Conservative Republican family, ahoy! Oh yeah, and, uh, that I'm spending up to $150 on one costume to go to an anime convention in.
I am the queen of nerdiness, or something.
I'm jealous of your being able to visit your friends this summer, though. Personally, I think that it's way awesome. More than anything, I hope that you're able to open up to your parents a little more. It's a big relief off of your shoulders, believe me.
no subject
Date: 2007-05-31 08:46 pm (UTC)I guess, maybe, that letting them in on it would be like a big weight off my shoulders, because I'm tired of being so damn secretive anyway. I mean, it's not like I'm doing anything wrong (well, there is the occasional porn BUT WHAT ELSE IS THE INTERNETS FOR OKAY), it's just... something I'd rather keep to myself. But really, I need to get over that hurdle. And you guys are helping me so much it's not even funny. Thanks so much omg. And I MISS YOU. Perhaps we should all see Pirates together?? :D ♥!!!
no subject
Date: 2007-06-01 12:15 am (UTC)BUT, OMG. Seeing Pirates together = automatic win. I can drive now and have my own car, so planning should be a little bit easier than before. I'm so for it.
no subject
Date: 2007-05-31 07:50 am (UTC)Also, I used to lie. Then I stopped. Now I just mention the sam/dean porn in casual conversation. MY BROTHERS ARE FANGIRLS. THEY BROUGHT IT ON THEM SEV- Ahem. Then again, everyone at WORK knows I write porn, so *hands*
no subject
Date: 2007-05-31 08:52 pm (UTC)Ahaha WOW! Damn, I wish I had that kind of courage. I feel weird talking about ANY kind of my fiction writing, period, 'cause all of it's so damn personal that it kind of freaks me out if anyone knew, but... AUGH. I really need to get over this. Heh. ♥
no subject
Date: 2007-05-31 08:59 pm (UTC)Still, it kinda helps that when my brother was in 8th grade he was suspended from school for having porn there. So. You know. Porn!
But my mom is awesome and I sometimes think she is just nodding along, so she doesn't actually hear me talking about the boys.
But my brothers and I have actually discussed the possibility of Sam and Dean fucking, and since they BOTH brought it up first, then, well, they are now fair game in my world.
But yeah. Work was an accident, but I won't hide it. One of my betas for anything ever (last resort, usually, but she's amazing) worked with me at my last job. At this one I made a nasty joke and the kid I made it to, Josh, he was like OMGWTF and I told him yeah, us girls, we say things like that! and if not, we're thinking them. And he was like o.O? and I was like yeah. I mean, fuck, if I can write porn I can make a dirty joke and he was like OMG YOU WRITE PORN?! and I was like oops? and he was like OMG and told someone and now I think everyone knows.
So. Yeah :) I won't deny it. I'm 19 and can write and theres no reason I should be ashamed.
no subject
Date: 2007-05-31 08:32 am (UTC)Good luck, it'll be fine.
no subject
Date: 2007-05-31 09:12 pm (UTC)Fortunately Kate is not an axe murderer so everything turned out peachy keen.
AHAHAHA. We shall see, oh yes. *Strokes chin*
Seriously, this is all helping so much. I feel so incredibly GRATEFUL to know you all, and be such good friends with people whom I've never even met. It's just so weird when you think about it, people online who you've never seen in person know more about you, the real you, than family members or other real-life friends. That's an interesting kind of bond. And I really do like the "pen pal" angle. I think I may go for that.
Thank you SO MUCH, babe. *Loves on you!!* ♥!!
no subject
Date: 2007-06-01 06:50 am (UTC)Dude, that would be messy. I'd do something much classier, tcha.
no subject
Date: 2007-05-31 08:50 am (UTC)My best advice would be like Dor said. Explain that there are a group of women that you have met through a common interest, creative writing, and that after six years a few of you have decided that it's time to get together and talk in person instead of via a messageboard, email, phone and messaging systems. I don't think they freak out so much when you explain that they're not people that you've just met, that you have taken a long time to get to know them not just of their work but who they are as well, and after such a long time of talking it's really difficult to maintain a persona that is consistent.
Even though you may be a little more quiet and reserved offline, I imagine that get you in a room with the girls and you'll be exactly as you are on here. The traits that you show on here are inside you, you just don't unleash them unless you're in an environment that you feel totally comfortable with. IE in a semi-annonymous setting such as what we have here. It just depends on your level of comfort. When Suj and I first met, we were both a little more quiet and nervous but now that we've done it a few times, it's just like it is on here.
My rents never understood that I didn't want them to know about what I did online, that it was a haven for me, and somewhere that I could be exactly who I wanted to be without the judgment or persecution that comes from disapproving relatives. But then i guess if I had explained a little more, it wouldn't have gone as sour as it did. Also, bear in mind, your rents are like a gazillion times nicer people than mine are.
no subject
Date: 2007-05-31 09:20 pm (UTC)Yes, YES. That's exactly it. I think I'm MORE of who I am online than maybe off, but really, it's so hard to tell, all these facades I put up through my life. The only time I really and truly feel relaxed is chatting with y'all, or writing some stupid entry about the boys, or something. It's my only outlet because nobody else KNOWS about how far entrenched I am with certain things, which, really, is my own fault. It's gonna be hard to rectify, but I guess it needs to be done, sooner or later.
I would have never thought meeting such an awesome group of gals as y'all and becoming so close! That's just something that I know some people will never be able to understand, but my family knows I'm dorky enough already, so they may just let this one slide too, hee.
Thank you SO much, darling! ♥!!!
no subject
Date: 2007-06-01 09:05 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-06-01 09:08 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-05-31 09:24 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-06-01 03:42 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-05-31 10:12 am (UTC)As far as our meetup goes... I mean, hell, six years is a long time to know someone, even if you've never met face to face. I know that you guys were my honest-to-God lifeline for a long time. I know what some people's views are about meeting people on the internet (scare tactics, anyone) but I think its become such a huge part of our culture that its not so odd as people might have originally thought. The penpal angle might be a good way to go. My hunch is that your family will be thrilled that you're finally opening up to them.
As for SPN... I was over at my dad's house talking with my three younger sisters, one of which is so boycrazy she makes me giggle (imagine about thirty-some websites bookmarked, all of which are actors, singers or otherwise droolworthy guys). So I couldn't resist introducing them to JP and JA and we spent the next two hours squeeing over pictures (and over your screencap reviews, did I mention how much I love those?) I mean, I'm sure your parents are familiar with being a fan; they probably have their own minor obsessions. And here's the greatest thing about family - they love you no matter what. I'm sure if you showed them some of the fanfiction on the boys, they would understand why this show is so profoundly part of you. Or they might not, but they would appreciate that you're letting them in to something you were scared to talk to them about, and in any case I think they would love you and at least *try* to understand.
Heh... so there's my novel of 0.02. Did I ever mention to you that I stopped seeing my therapist because she told me internet friends don't count?
no subject
Date: 2007-06-01 04:02 am (UTC)Holy CRAP, I have to comment on this first because... WHAT A LOAD OF CRAP. Obviously she's only thinking of the myspace type of dealio, which, duh, I don't go on myspace for intellectually-thrilling conversations, or, you know, for anything else. As I was saying to Wendy, it's just so FASCINATING, this camaraderie you build up with people you haven't even met, spilling your heart to people you don't even know. I know my parents may get worried because I never talk to them about me, but I suppose they think if I have some kind of outlet, maybe it's okay.
Hee! Aww, I wish my sister was like yours! She'll fangirl The Office, and maybe Heroes, but that's about it. I WILL get her into JP and JA one of these days, dammit! But really, how messed up is it to be afraid what your family members think about what you like? I've dug myself in a very deep hole, I'm afraid. Sigh.
(And omg you have no idea how much it thrills me to hear each time that y'all love my cap posts! HEE.)
That being said, IN 2 MONTHS AND 11 DAYS I WILL PERSONALLY GLOMP YOU FOR THIS AND EVERYTHING ELSE SO WATCH YOUR BACK. ;D ♥♥♥
no subject
Date: 2007-06-01 05:35 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-05-31 11:56 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-06-01 04:05 am (UTC)Ahaha oh GOD I'd might as well shoot myself now, haha! PORN, WHAT, HUH. But yes, my dad's kind of a huge sci-fi geek, so maybe this will go over well?? Nerdy ftw!! :D ♥!
no subject
Date: 2007-05-31 03:07 pm (UTC)Yes, it may seem odd to your family that you'd travel all that way to meet friends you've only written to but with some assurance, they may be okay with it. If they are still leery, you could do what
I've met some people who I've talked to via boards and other mediums but only after I'd talked to them for months. When I mentioned it to my mother (never my father, he'd not understand) and a few other friends, I said I just met them and left out the online part (Liar? I may be ;) ). Anyways, the acquaintanceships/friendships(?) all ended for lack of interest or other complications. I've made closer friends on LJ, but all of them are in other countries or on the other side of mine. I don't think I could ever visit them, but I'd be open to them visiting me. It'd be kind of weird but I'd vaguely say to people that I was off to visit a friend yet again. ;)
no subject
Date: 2007-06-01 04:22 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-05-31 05:36 pm (UTC)i am the same way. in fact, all of these delightful packages you've been sending me have been from you, but instead of meeting you on the dangerous intarwebs "i met you when i was in florida like three years ago (maybe four, wtf) on a mission trip", so. :/
i don't like lying to them, but it's hard for them to understand (even though one of my best rl friends has an online buddy who comes to stay at her house regularly) that you people aren't scary pedophiles who want to kidnap me oh noes!
as for being the same person in rl as i am in fandom, i'm a little different - as most of my friends and family know how crazy/obsessive/weird/freaky i am. (they don't know about that porn thing, though, so. :/ speaking of which i have some, yum yum, and i think you will like it.)
so i guess i'm no help, but i wanted you to know you're not alone. ♥.
no subject
Date: 2007-06-01 04:27 am (UTC)AHHAHA HAHA OMG ahaha I don't mean to laugh, really, but THAT'S SO SNEAKY I LOVE IT. And YEAH, I totally know what you mean, all that keeping it under wraps... I remember once a long time ago I mentioned someone from the old EWFN boards, and my mom was like, "Uhhh are you sure it's not 40 year old pervert still living in their PARENTS' HOUSE??" and I'm like "...". Oh parents.
PORN WOTS. *Makes grabby hands!!*
Dude, just having people who understand the ridiculousness of this is help enough! ♥!!!!
no subject
Date: 2007-05-31 06:12 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-06-01 04:30 am (UTC)Seriously, it's so fantastic to hear I'm not alone on this. I thought I was one of the few who nearly peed themselves at the thought of explaing the words "fanfiction" to a rl friend or family member. GOODNESS. ♥!
no subject
Date: 2007-06-01 03:09 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-06-01 04:32 am (UTC)except me and my monkey, some weakness, or something, and, well, this one's mine. Heh. Not that I would trade it for anything in the world, but sometimes it gets a little wearing. ♥!