Losing parts of myself
The story
I've been struggling with my mental health for a long time and despite this I've always tried to keep the most positive outlook I could, but recently I've felt as if that wasn't possible. I've always been weird and avoidant of people due to paranoia, anxiety, OCD, autism symptoms and emotional inconsistency which has made it difficult to maintain relationships. Suffice to say, I've gotten along with people to the point that I could show them an empty side of myself that didn't care whether he was hurt or not, but I feel like now that's the only part of me who can function with others. I like that part of me, and I feel like I'm okay as long as I trust him to take care of things, but I don't know how I'm supposed to live my own life.
I've always had a lot of things that I'd been passionate about but those things like drawing, watching anime, learning languages, learning history and pretty much everything except for math doesn't really have a place in my life anymore since I've started college. I can still enjoy my hobbies but I feel like as a 19 year old male, watching trashy shoujo anime and liking moe stuff is kinda weird. Having obsessions feels like something to be ashamed of as well and every time I get into something I feel like I'm always going to be stereotyped for it. Apart from that, my fascinations with dark things like gore and pain are obviously things I'll have to keep hidden. I've basically abandoned the notion of someone who'd be able to save me or be there for me because I know I just get too attached and mess things up in relationships like that.
I always had the notion that everyone else was in the wrong for making me feel like I had to hide, but now I think I'm at the point where I'm accepting that I don't belong anywhere. I don't want to change and I don't want to die but I can't live in society the way it is being the way I am. I used to want to change the world, but now I feel like someone like me, with all my issues would just make it worse.
Living like this, I feel like I'm slowly disappearing and like I'm giving in. In some ways it feels like losing the parts of myself that make me who I am is just a matter of course, it doesn't matter to me anymore because it's something I should have accepted a long time ago, but if I could I wish I didn't have to change to live.
Stories in the same category
Points of view
Mate, I totally get how you feel about everything, especially college making your passions take a backseat, but who the hell cares if you're into shoujo anime at 19?
I appreciate your understanding. I've felt mainly like I'm just never able to share my interests without judgement or the pressure to grow out of things I enjoy. I think college is difficult like that for everyone, but even among communities I've been a part of, I just see myself losing my place. I do get what you mean though, and I definitely will try not to let it bother me as much. Thank you.
it seems you're falling into the trap of societal expectations, especially when you mention feeling weird about your interests like shoujo anime; think about this one: "be yourself; everyone else is already taken," and remember that unique passions can be a source of strength rather than shame!
Hey, I sense a profound inner conflict between the way you perceive yourself and societal expectations; have you considered that maybe embracing your unique traits could be your superpower??? It’s okay to feel out of place, but sometimes the most remarkable individuals are those who don't fit neatly into society's molds. Your interests and passions might not align with the mainstream, but they can offer fulfillment that's uniquely yours; trust me on this one!
isn't it fascinating how societal norms dictate what we perceive as acceptable or not?
Navigating college and societal pressures can indeed be challenging, especially when it feels like your genuine interests are questioned... :(
It's cool to feel attached to what you're passionate about, even if they seem like odd interests; maybe think of it this way: life is too damn short not to enjoy what makes you, well, you!
While it's understandable you're grappling with societal norms, perhaps focusing on why these interests matter to you could offer some clarity. The preoccupation with being stereotyped might be overshadowing the value they bring into your life; I used to worry about others judging my hobbies too, until I figured life's too short for that nonsense. It's essential to remember that self-acceptance often starts from within rather than seeking validation externally, so maybe give yourself a break and embrace what makes you tick!
i can appreciate your struggle with feeling out of place and the pressure to conform to societal norms; in behavioral science, we often discuss how external pressures can push us into a state of cognitive dissonance. while hobbies might seem inconsequential in the grand scheme, they are significant cognitive anchors that provide mental stability and identity reinforcement; don't shy away from them because of perceived age appropriateness or societal judgment. keep nurturing those passions, for they contribute positively to your psychological well-being; you might find that embracing these aspects becomes a source of empowerment rather than an obstacle.
man, it sounds like you're going through quite the existential crisis and I can see why you'd feel overwhelmed by the pressure to conform. 🎭 but isn't it ironic how you're worried about standing out when blending in seems to erase who you are? maybe embracing these so-called 'weird' passions might just be a way to reclaim your identity rather than protect it. ever thought that all these quirks could actually be what makes you uniquely capable of offering something different in this cookie-cutter world???
hey, i think a lot of folks feel like they're juggling two lives — the one they show the world and the one that aligns with their true interests. what if instead of hiding, you let some of that authentic self shine through?? sure, not everyone's gonna get it, but those who do are worth their weight in gold. at 19, life's still got hella twists and turns to come your way. embrace what feels right for you!!!
Balancing personal interests with societal expectations can be daunting, yet focusing on intrinsic satisfaction from your hobbies might help you cultivate a more sustainable sense of self-worth; aligning your passions with personal growth rather than external approval could transform how you perceive both yourself and the world around you.
have you ever thought about how your interests might actually connect you with others who share similar passions, even if they seem niche or unconventional?
Hey man, I hear you and it's rough feeling like you're stuck between society's expectations and your true self. Maybe what it comes down to is finding balance in doing what keeps you sane while still managing the responsibilities college throws at you. I don't think there's anything wrong with having interests that are a bit unconventional—it's sorta like having your own secret superpower. Let those passions be your escape when life gets overwhelming; they might not fit into everyone else's mold, but who really needs to? Keep exploring what makes you tick without worrying too much about fitting in or being "normal."
It's intriguing how often we equate conformity with survival when, in fact, the individuality you're expressing could be your most significant asset; you might find that, ultimately, authenticity can become a guiding compass amidst life's complexities—considering these words: « Be yourself; everyone else is already taken » ❤️
hey, i totally get feeling torn between wanting to be true to yourself and conforming to what society expects. i've been there too, struggling with fitting in while keeping my quirks under wraps. maybe try to remember that the world would be pretty bland without individuality. your interest in anime and even dark stuff like gore is part of who you are—diversity makes life vibrant 🌈 have you ever considered connecting with niche communities online? could help find people who share your passions or at least appreciate them!
yo, i feel you, it's like we gotta put on this mask just to get by in the world even if it means suffocating who we really are. but here's a thing: ever thought maybe you're viewing your interests through too harsh a lens? those quirks and obsessions, man—that's your flavor in a bland world! screw what others think about what's 'appropriate' at 19 or whatever. speaking from experience, holding onto those little joys can anchor you when everything else feels turbulent. so why not own that side of yourself unapologetically? you might find it's more liberating than trying to fit a mold that ain’t meant for you.
it's tough when you feel like your true self is at odds with what society expects from you. but have you ever considered that embracing those parts of yourself might actually lead to deeper connections? when i was in college, i felt out of place too, like my interests were "immature" or didn't belong. funny thing, though—when i started being open about my so-called weird hobbies, i found some of the most genuine friendships. sure, not everyone will get it—but those who do are often the ones worth knowing. maybe instead of trying to fit into a mold that doesn't resonate with you, lean into what makes you unique; it just might lead you towards finding where you truly belong.
Man, I totally get the struggle of feeling like you're disappearing into the noise around you. It’s wild how society tries to box us up and make us feel bad for what we’re into. I'm gonna be real with you—you gotta own it! 😤 Alright, maybe not everyone gets your interests, but so what? You're not here to please the masses. For me, embracing my quirks was like flipping a switch that lit up new paths in life—sometimes those dark fascinations can even lead to some profound creativity or insights! Just remember this: you don’t need validation from anyone to enjoy what makes you tick. Keep doing you unapologetically.