Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, Cuba, Germany, Hutt River, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, North Italy, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, South Italy, Ukraine, Zimbabwe (half of these aren't really "countries")
WHOA THERE SISTA that’s a lot
Australia: Do you have any quirks when speaking?
Yes. at least I think I do. When I’m really excited I say “you don’t even know!" and when I’m listening I’ll tilt my head. Other than that, you’ve probably picked up more than I have, Maarya.
Austria: What kind of person do you wish to be?
I want to be that older role model that helped you out in a stressful situation and made you feel comfortable somewhere new instead of just ignoring you. I also want to work on my flaws like hypocrisy and not understanding where my motives come from (why I didn’t pierce my ears/wear make-up/post on this blog. Ultimately I want to be someone who sees her face in a mirror and smiles at it and thinks it’s beautiful.
Bulgaria: Who do you consider close to you?
Tracy, definitely, as my clone who always understands my grunts. She tops the list by a fair margin. Maarya and Jenny in different ways, the former intellectually and the later more physically. I’m working on Ben, it’s getting easier and we’ve come a long way. The rest of my friends, such as Trisha and Tyler, especially when they randomly show up at my house. My parents, since we communicate very easily. I’m not shy about letting people close and showing them who I am once I trust them.
Cuba: What sort of grudges do you hold if any?
It’s really hard for me to hold a grudge. It takes so much effort and emotional exertion for me. I’m much more likely to forgive you if there’s an issue. I begrudge some of my extended family for hurting my family, especially my grandfather, and others for being occasional dicks, but they’re far off and don’t normally bother me.
Germany: Do you have a hard time forgiving yourself?
In the words of Mr. Bennet regarding his guilt, “I am not afraid of being over powered by the impression. It will pass away soon enough." I’m occasionally embarrassed by my actions, but I tend to think of my past self as dissociated from the now, so I’ve never stayed guilty long.
Hutt River: What is the most memorable dream or nightmare you have had?
I have long dramatic story-like dreams that set up a premise, create original characters, and have a lot of action. There is normally well-developed plot. You don’t want me retelling all of them. One, of course, involved pickles.
Liechtenstein: How do people underestimate you most often?
I think I come across, even to my close friends, as cute and innocent and sparkly and stuff. And I know people take me seriously, but sometimes I feel as though I’m categorized into someone who can’t handle knowing some things and wouldn’t survive on her own (which is worse because it’s partially true)
New Zealand: Would you rather be an elf, dwarf, Hobbit, or wizard?
For the longest time I though I wanted to be an elf, but no seriously, hobbit is the way to go. I’ll take happiness over tragic immortality any day.
North Italy: What is your least favourite part of your personality?
My hypocrisy. I don’t like people who do x but I’ll do x myself. I’ll judge people for x then pretend I’m soooo perfect. I’ll say one thing and then change my mind the next day. I’ll try to see both sides of an issue and end up missing the third and fifth sides. I’ll agree with one person talking then agree with their opponent the next day. I’m slowly working on it, and have been for years.
Norway: What was the most disappointing time in your life?
When I couldn’t get a job. I had all these qualifications that didn’t really mean anything and I knew I could do those jobs better than whoever they were hiring and do them, happily and without question but no one wanted me. Now I’m glad I don’t work at Pautlers, but it still hurt being universally rejected by everyone so many times.
Netherlands: Most generous thing someone has done for you?
I’ll probably think of something later, but right now all I can think of is the music wing at my school. We had two teachers who basically dedicated their lives to teaching us more than music, and went far, far beyond what they were paid to do. They created a safe place to go to during school and completely transformed my live. I can’t even describe what they’ve done for me and how much they cared about my personal development. Just all the props to Moose and Doc.
Poland: Hardest thing you have gone through?
School. I think adults either don’t recognize or ignore the pressure they put on us in school. We’re bombarded with constant numbers and stats and evaluations and told that they don’t mean as much as the extra things we do outside of academics. So we have to keep the numbers high while dealing with everything else and it’s all a question of “this matters" but “this matters more" and the truth is they want everything perfect, but won’t admit to it.
South Italy: What is your favourite part of your personality?
I like that it’s easy to make me laugh, and that I (mostly) see the good in people before admitting to the bad.
Ukraine: What is one thing that has made you stronger in life?
My sister. It’s so balancing to have a steady person by your side, constantly non-verbally reassuring you that you’re okay and you’re not alone and there’s someone else with you. It’s steadying to know that you think of them in the same way that they think of you, and never having to second-guess your relationship.
Zimbabwe: Who is your favourite character from any folklore?
What includes folklore? Can it be that dude who fell off the roof in the Odyssey? He rocked my world.
Right so that’s… more than you ever needed to know. It took me more than an hour to write it, but thanks Maarya, it was really fun! (I really missed these on my fake hiatus)