Ok this might just be a me thing but on the off chance it’s not and someone finds it relatable, here we go.
Every single thing I’ve had a special interest in or been hyperfixated on I’ve been made fun of if people in real life find out about it. Every. Single. One.
And then sooner or later (usually because of the internet) something about it becomes cool and everyone tries to educate me about the thing.
The current example I have to offer is sea shanties. I’ve always had an affinity for sea shanties. I used to write them when I was bored. I’d go to ren faires on pirate weekends to hear local groups perform them. I considered joining the area maritime society to learn more of them and sing them in a group. I’ve had a playlist of sea shanties in my car and at my desk for years.
When sea shanties started going viral, I was thrilled. Finally people understand the unique comradery and beauty of the sea shanty! I shared a few videos with a few friends and most of the response was, “Oh geez, here we go again. I’m NOT clicking that.”
And now that they’ve gotten even more popular, said friends are sending me the same videos because “omg look how cool this is my boyfriend showed it to me!!!!”
No, I showed that to you. I’ve been showing that to you. For years. And you’ve been making fun of me.
I have a really hard time not getting bitter when stuff goes trendy because when I like something, it’s bad, or stupid, or mockable, but if other people like something suddenly it’s ok.
Like... is it me? Is there something about me that makes these things fundamentally unlikable? Why does this keep happening?!
But at the same time... I can’t help but talk about the things I enjoy or am obsessed with because that’s how my brain works. It’s all I can think about so no matter how hard I try to just keep something to myself to enjoy, I can’t. I want other people to see it and experience it the way I do and be excited, and it’s like... no one ever is. Until the right person is. And then suddenly it’s ok.
I hate it.
