TheCaptain said:
I had this response "drafted" on my phone for a minute now. I've been meaning to add to it, possibly omit some things and polish it up before I submitted it but I haven't had the time. So it might contain some stupid mistakes.
Having limited mobility can be a big limiter for sure. But meeting in person isn't necessary to meet and make friends with people that share common interests and very often meeting in person isn't always the first interactions that take place. As you already said, you're gonna keep looking around which is a good idea, but even if you meet people and create a friendship online, it's always possible to meet up IRL after that once either of you have the means to (especially if you find someone that's at least semi local). So even if you have to play in private you don't necessarily have to play alone.
First off, I wanna say I think it's awesome you're a Brony (or Pegasister). I am too so I totally can appreciate it and empathize with the whole "closeted" side to it (with cartoons too). I use to hide it and feel embarrassed about it and while I don't advertise it about myself, I don't exactly hide it anymore either. Overall, I'd say it sounds like you're still coming to terms/you're still insecure with this side of you/your interests. It's nothing to be ashamed of or to be embarrassed about. If others could see what you see in them, then they'd probably watch them too. This is where fully understanding why you like them could come in handy. You'll be able to advertise what makes them awesome to others if anyone asks (or challenges) you about them, but most importantly you'll understand why you like them which is what really matters most. Most people won't care enough to judge you because of your appreciation of cartoons and anime and if they do then they are EXTREMELY judgemental. If anyone thinks "this is a bad person or a person not worth knowing" because of those innocent interests, then it's their loss and you wouldn't want those sort of people in your life anyway. But this is easier said than done though.
I'm totally being a little hypocritical here (I hate having to wait for things), but some patience is required to make any lasting relationship or at least it's something that can't be rushed, especially if you're trying to look for specific or unique traits for that relationship. Just keep at it and you'll eventually find the friends you're looking for.
Anyway, it's too bad those of us posting on this thread aren't located around each other, i'd be hella down to chill and watch some animes, cartoons, and play some videogames, lol. If you're ever in the SF Bay Area give a shout out if wanna meet up.
No, there were no mistakes or anything - your message was very good! I understand what you mean about not "rushing things", but honestly I've lived a very lonely life... decade especially. I have finally actually gathered the courage to seek out friendship and things in hopes of giving my life meaning. I feel that especially with the Anime conventions, that I've really missed out and am seeking to get these experiences in before it's too late and I'm
even older, lol. It is time. But that being said, I still suffer from pretty intense anxieties. You'd be surprised, I nearly get sick just going to the doctor's (yep, don't get better going there, get sick)... but that's obviously a most extreme example and generally other local places are easier to deal with for me. But ya, FYI this whole town
is judgemental. It's pretty conservative is probably an understatement. But it's really not the place that's killing me - I know it's
me. I'm scared of people for stupid reasons as it is, so if it's something (like these interests) it just makes it harder... but espeically and worst of all, I feel so damn
akward. So out of place. As I've said before, everyone else my age I've found has moved on and stuff...But I know if I just had the means to get to somewhere bigger I might find others like me. And back around in a circle we go... Because I need to have friends to go with...
Also I know - I wish we were all neighbours or something - that'd be too awesome! However reality has it that we're too few and far between.
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Jamieboy said:
My only thoughts are just to shape things into the life you want, child-like or not (remembering there's a difference between childlike and childish)... And, if you're feeling creepy, at 23, there might be no hope for you, as you age, cause we all get older & creepier (NOT!).
You're only as old as you feel, so turn that around right now. Yes, the diaper aspect is going to find you going down a different path, but EVERYONE is on their own particular path, and yours will interesect with others your own age, in due time. Don't push yourself towards depressing thoughts, just because you're different. Embrace the child-like nature, play your games, be a mentor to those younger than you, and just be all you can be, as an adult, too.
All things, in good time!
I'd love to, but just opening my netflix on my tablet in public, and something coming up like MLP, and other people I might know noticing or walking by out there, is enough to make me have near heart palpitations! If I had my way, there would be a lot of things different, but I feel so chained down....But now I'm
really starting to stray off the point of the topic. The point was less about my anxieties of having childish interests...and more about feeling so awkward and creepy about it. I just feel so out of place with those who are mostly younger than I am. I've generally been the youngest in my group whether back in high school due to my birthday or later with the few "associates" I had (not really friends, just people I know)... I had such bad experiences with people I'd always shut down and go into my shell anytime someone commented on something negatively, that I literally have secluded myself for years now and I feel like I missed the boat and now all those people I missed hanging out with who
might've actually been interested in the same interests, are now long gone - and many of them have off and gone and had kids and all that now.