What being a fan says about you
By: Bruna Claas
Tags: Passion, Personality, Fans

Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

Sports, movies, tv shows, bands, artists, anime, video games.

We can find fandoms of all kinds out there.

fan is short for fanatic, which does not have the best connotation.

Sometimes fans are criticized, made fun of.

They’re too obsessed, they don’t are too biased, they’re crazy, they overreact, they should focus on their own life.

But I have to say, I love being a fan.

And I think there is a true beauty to it.

I resembles the unconditional love we have for our family members, for example.

It is support and appreciation without asking for much in return.

It really tells you a thing or two about someone’s personality.

To be that passionate. To care that much.

Being a fan also brings so much excitement to our lives.

If you are a sports fan, every game or competition is a big deal to you.

I have a friend that is fan of formula one and will wake up sometimes at 4 or 5 in the morning, because that is how important not missing a race is to him. This shows how dedicated a person can be.

In the last four years, I have become a big Taylor Swift fan. Whenever she is releasing new music, a new documentary, performing, or interviewing, it’s something I look forward to so much! I will also wake up earlier to see it first thing in the morning before work, to have my experience alone with the music, and it’s so profound, and it’s so exciting!

It’s so cool so have these events to look forward to! It’s so exciting to be a part of that.

Being a fan also makes you feel like you belong, like you are part of a community. You share a connection with other people in the fandom.

My partner is a huge into video games, and he feels a connection playing online with friends, following gaming news closely, having discussions about the gaming industry and specific games that excite him.

Isn’t it so cool when you go to a movie theatre and get to react for the first time together with everyone else? I remember the connection I felt watching the Avenger infinity war and endgame movies in the theatres. The entire room was surprised at the same time, laughed at the same time, got emotional at the same time. Even if you don’t know these people, you feel a connection being in that room.

And the Internet also plays a huge role in uniting fandoms around the world! There are endless fan accounts, fan theories, Easter eggs connecting all the fans and enthusiasts in that community.

Being a fan can bring happiness to your life in so many ways.

Sometimes is also a small recognition.

Such as my teenage self swearing that Avril Lavigne looked me in the eye in a concert in Chicago.

Such as nowadays me getting so excited when FINNEAS hearted by comment on his music video on YouTube.

We are fans of people we admire. Of people that inspire us somehow. Of people we look up to.

And when we get closer to feeling that more personal connection, it can be very moving.

And that is not silly. And that is not the bad connotation that fangirling or fanboying can have.

It is human nature. When we admire someone, we appreciate their attention and caring that much more.

This applies to other people in your life as well.

That is why I think it’s such a nice gesture when public figures take the time to develop this connection with their audience, when they value and truly care about their fans.

Being a fan also gives you so much to look forward to all the time!

An award event coming up. A final game. A new launch.

It can also bring you inspiration.

Why do you admire this person so much? Why are you so connected to this movie series? What draws your attention to this game? It certainly tells you a lot about yourself. About what is important to you. About what you value. What is inspiring to you. Maybe about what you want to change in your life. Or maybe what you want to pursue in your life.

Don’t ever be embarrassed to be a fan! You should never apologize for being happy and excited.

Being a fan shows that you are caring.

Being a fan shows that you are supportive.

And that is just beautiful.