Villagers being real friends, is this kind of pathetic?
- Thread starter Spooky.
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HopeForHyrule
Bunny Fanatic
This thread is becoming a sort of safe haven for those of us who use the game to cope and feel accepted.
I mean, I don't know any of you and most likely never will, but you guys are so awesome!
I mean, I don't know any of you and most likely never will, but you guys are so awesome!
Charcolor
icon: mayor maker by kyoosh
I'm fourteen years old and I'm a very lonely person.
I've made many friends in my life. I'm pretty okay at making conversation. But those friends never stay. They drift away and find better people to talk to, people who are smarter, people who are better at socializing, people that actually share their interests, people who don't have my mental illnesses that keep me from being truly happy. (besides depression and anxiety, I also have OCD and I am on the Asperger's spectrum)
There are only three people in the world who I trust with pretty much everything, only one of whom I get to see and talk to regularly, and one of whom I can never talk to again, because she may be dead. But even that has limits. I can never tell the two other friends how I really feel, how much I want to die every day because my first girlfriend might be dead and I can only blaame myself and my bad luck.
Unfortunately, I'm not as lucky as you are to be able to rely on my villagers. I can't get as attached to them as you. I love Sylvia, Olivia and my bear cubs, but it's not enough. They are not real enough. The gifts they give me are usually stuff that I either don't want or already have. While the game itself does help with my anxiety, the villagers cannot take the place of real friends. You are so lucky. I don't want to try to invalidate you, because your struggles are very real, but in this case, you are so lucky. I wish I was like you. I wish I could have something, even if the something is video game animals with repetitive dialogue, to help with my loneliness.
We all have different ways to cope with our sadness. This game is your way of coping. I don't think it's mine, but I really wish it was. Besides, the villagers are good placeholders as you try to make friends in real life. I hope you don't need to rely on these villagers forever, because what if you end up like the way I am now and the villagers are just not enough? I don't want you to feel the same way I do.
But just take your time. There is nothing wrong with your feelings.
I've made many friends in my life. I'm pretty okay at making conversation. But those friends never stay. They drift away and find better people to talk to, people who are smarter, people who are better at socializing, people that actually share their interests, people who don't have my mental illnesses that keep me from being truly happy. (besides depression and anxiety, I also have OCD and I am on the Asperger's spectrum)
There are only three people in the world who I trust with pretty much everything, only one of whom I get to see and talk to regularly, and one of whom I can never talk to again, because she may be dead. But even that has limits. I can never tell the two other friends how I really feel, how much I want to die every day because my first girlfriend might be dead and I can only blaame myself and my bad luck.
Unfortunately, I'm not as lucky as you are to be able to rely on my villagers. I can't get as attached to them as you. I love Sylvia, Olivia and my bear cubs, but it's not enough. They are not real enough. The gifts they give me are usually stuff that I either don't want or already have. While the game itself does help with my anxiety, the villagers cannot take the place of real friends. You are so lucky. I don't want to try to invalidate you, because your struggles are very real, but in this case, you are so lucky. I wish I was like you. I wish I could have something, even if the something is video game animals with repetitive dialogue, to help with my loneliness.
We all have different ways to cope with our sadness. This game is your way of coping. I don't think it's mine, but I really wish it was. Besides, the villagers are good placeholders as you try to make friends in real life. I hope you don't need to rely on these villagers forever, because what if you end up like the way I am now and the villagers are just not enough? I don't want you to feel the same way I do.
But just take your time. There is nothing wrong with your feelings.
I remember reading a really long time ago that Animal Crossing was devised by someone at Nintendo who kept having to go on business trips and he was lonely. So he created a world of animal friends.
You are absolutely not pathetic for feeling the way you do. My husband gets confused when I start talking excitedly about a new villager. He gets confused because it means someone I've been talking about for months or even a year or two is no longer in my life.
I have real life friends. But I much prefer the non-drama I get from my pixel friends
You are absolutely not pathetic for feeling the way you do. My husband gets confused when I start talking excitedly about a new villager. He gets confused because it means someone I've been talking about for months or even a year or two is no longer in my life.
I have real life friends. But I much prefer the non-drama I get from my pixel friends
I'm really happy that this thread has become a place for everyone to share their experiences and how they relate to the game and how it helps them. I never expected so many people to open up and tell their stories, but I'm glad it's become a place for that. I love hearing all of your stories. None of us are alone here.
daynapapaya
Senior Member
Many games like Animal Crossing have features that are unintentionally theraputic. The pokemon series is similar, with you going on an adventure with the pokemon you catch, traveling at your own pace, and even being able to bond with your pokemon in the newer games through the pokemon amie. I've always been helplessly addicted to tamagotchis, too; I loved that I could take care of them in real time and they could grow into different adolescents and adults depending on how you cared for them...and you could feed them, play with them...if you had more than one, they could play together or have babies...sometimes I curse Japan for coming up with the most addicting games.
I looooooooove Pokemon amie. I used to squeal like a 5 year old whenever my favorite Pokemon did cute stuff or made cute noises. Sometimes I spent more time playing the little games and petting Sylveon than I spent actually playing the game itself lol.
Tbh I'm so glad I went to the last page of this thread to find actually meaningful responses, because the first page really annoyed me.
So tired of people making pointlessly negative comments on threads, I.E. Mariah saying it's pathetic but not actually giving any reason why. It's not that I care that she disagrees, it's that it brings nothing to the discussion. Had she actually said anything of value, I wouldn't mind. That comment is pathetic IMHO, not turning to a video game for comfort/ for friends.
I think its really great that you find happiness from ACNL. Anything that takes away your sadness isn't pathetic, as long as it's not toxic or unhealthy. I'm the same way, although my lack of a social life is my own fault I find a lot of peace from AC & have also met a lot of chill people. It just shows that you still want to be social but you don't have the right people in your life yet. Key word yet, pls don't give up on that!
I hope you find people that deserve you in their life <3
So tired of people making pointlessly negative comments on threads, I.E. Mariah saying it's pathetic but not actually giving any reason why. It's not that I care that she disagrees, it's that it brings nothing to the discussion. Had she actually said anything of value, I wouldn't mind. That comment is pathetic IMHO, not turning to a video game for comfort/ for friends.
I think its really great that you find happiness from ACNL. Anything that takes away your sadness isn't pathetic, as long as it's not toxic or unhealthy. I'm the same way, although my lack of a social life is my own fault I find a lot of peace from AC & have also met a lot of chill people. It just shows that you still want to be social but you don't have the right people in your life yet. Key word yet, pls don't give up on that!
I hope you find people that deserve you in their life <3
Same! There are a few Pokemon (Skitty and Pidove, for example) that I caught just to play with them in Pokemon-Amie.
HopeForHyrule
Bunny Fanatic
I absolutely love Pok?mon Amie! My Pikachu makes the cutest happy noises. As does my Delphox. ^_^
chiisaisuzume
Junior Member
It's... actually got me to make an account, so thank you for that. I've been lurking awhile, now--dreadfully shy. ^_^;
MOON TRIPS
dumb ass
as long as you remember that there's more to life than the villagers in Animal Crossing, I see nothing wrong with you having such a close connection to them. I don't really think it's anything to be concerned about, unless you were abandoning other things for a video game. but you aren't doing that, so I think you're good.
but it makes me really sad to see you saying so many negative things about yourself. I hardly know you, but I see you being active every time I roll around. you seem like a good person to me. I hope you can find some pals through here maybe. someone else to talk to aside from virtual animals, at least!
there are people here, I'll even say including me, that you can totally talk to. do not be shy! I know I'm closer to your age and possibly share interests. and I understand how you feel, aside from the intensely close connection to villagers.(I have mental illnesses, etc)
but I can say that I'm super attached to Tammy, and I just started the game up a bit ago and she's moving into my new town ALREADY(what luck! out of any uchi, it was Tammy), and I am sooooooooooo happy about it... ;v; she's the best.
but it makes me really sad to see you saying so many negative things about yourself. I hardly know you, but I see you being active every time I roll around. you seem like a good person to me. I hope you can find some pals through here maybe. someone else to talk to aside from virtual animals, at least!
there are people here, I'll even say including me, that you can totally talk to. do not be shy! I know I'm closer to your age and possibly share interests. and I understand how you feel, aside from the intensely close connection to villagers.(I have mental illnesses, etc)
but I can say that I'm super attached to Tammy, and I just started the game up a bit ago and she's moving into my new town ALREADY(what luck! out of any uchi, it was Tammy), and I am sooooooooooo happy about it... ;v; she's the best.
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CuriousCharli
Bunnie's Shmoopy
Its not pathetic that you see fictional or game characters as friends. I've seen TOP Youtubers cry over a character's death in a game because they're so deep into it. What's the difference? We submerge into a game that understands, that heals out wounds and because its fun. Animal crossing is deep, always has been. I've heard stories it can help with depression, suicidal thoughts and anxiety. It's a sweet game.
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HungryForCereal
if it was you I'd never want to leave...
i get where you're coming from. sometimes, i feel like i just wanna jump into the game and have a real relationship with my villagers instead of the humans i have around me.
You know, I'm actually realizing a lot just by reading through this thread.
A lot of (not necessarily all) people seem to forget the importantence of peace and how we should act as a family, as we all live on the planet called Earth. As sad and depressing as this is, it is hard for most people to give other people a chance who really needs a friend. If there is one thing I could bring to this world, it would be true peace!
I think our main purpose here on this planet is to make friends with as many people as possible. It can be tough because, nowadays, people have a hard time cooperating and being there unconditionally.
I think a good lesson Animal Crossing teaches us is that we should always be there for the people who matter most, no matter what. Villagers go out of their way for us, they give us medicine if we get a bee sting, they take the time to give us something they think we'd like, they invite us over to chat with us a little more, they worry when we work too hard. Even when we might be in a bad mood, they still do these things for us. Why? Because they care about us unconditionally. And I think the message behind this is that real life should be the same, but it rarely like that in the real world anymore.
If people started to give one another a chance, we wouldn't have to deal with everyday-but-serious problems like bullying, depression, suicide, crime, etc. (at least not as often).
I really love the meaning behind this topic. It's really gotten me to think about a lot. I am very thankful that this is a very understanding, friendly, loving community. ♥
A lot of (not necessarily all) people seem to forget the importantence of peace and how we should act as a family, as we all live on the planet called Earth. As sad and depressing as this is, it is hard for most people to give other people a chance who really needs a friend. If there is one thing I could bring to this world, it would be true peace!
I think our main purpose here on this planet is to make friends with as many people as possible. It can be tough because, nowadays, people have a hard time cooperating and being there unconditionally.
I think a good lesson Animal Crossing teaches us is that we should always be there for the people who matter most, no matter what. Villagers go out of their way for us, they give us medicine if we get a bee sting, they take the time to give us something they think we'd like, they invite us over to chat with us a little more, they worry when we work too hard. Even when we might be in a bad mood, they still do these things for us. Why? Because they care about us unconditionally. And I think the message behind this is that real life should be the same, but it rarely like that in the real world anymore.
If people started to give one another a chance, we wouldn't have to deal with everyday-but-serious problems like bullying, depression, suicide, crime, etc. (at least not as often).
I really love the meaning behind this topic. It's really gotten me to think about a lot. I am very thankful that this is a very understanding, friendly, loving community. ♥
innerutopia
Senior Member
I mean, think about it. Why else would we be playing this game if we didn't connect with our villagers in some way?
I don't think that a bunch of pixels and sounds can replace the company of a real living creature, by any means. And I think if it got to the point of dependence or addiction, it would be unhealthy. But if it's just reassurance and friendship you need, there are definitely people who want to meet and talk to you. All of us, for example.
So, no, don't feel bad about your attachment to your villagers. Just know yourself and your limits, and try to make sure your playing habits don't become addictive.
Meanwhile, if you ever want to chat, I'm available.
I don't think that a bunch of pixels and sounds can replace the company of a real living creature, by any means. And I think if it got to the point of dependence or addiction, it would be unhealthy. But if it's just reassurance and friendship you need, there are definitely people who want to meet and talk to you. All of us, for example.
So, no, don't feel bad about your attachment to your villagers. Just know yourself and your limits, and try to make sure your playing habits don't become addictive.
Meanwhile, if you ever want to chat, I'm available.
pinkpanther8
chanbaek is life
nope. not pathetic at all. it's like having an imaginary friend but it actually responds back
Allie_Rose
Junior Member
This thread makes me happy to be alive
I really couldn't agree more. There has been mild negativity but the positivity on this thread is so wonderful. It's inspiring hearing all these people opening up to the forum, and being supported for it. Yay for nice, supportive people!
I'm reading the responses that I didn't see since the last time I checked up on this thread and I'm still really emotionally overwhelmed by how incredible you guys all are. I've even made a pretty good friend now thanks to this thread.
It makes me happy to see how many of you feel the same about your villagers like I do. It's really great to feel less alone.
It makes me happy to see how many of you feel the same about your villagers like I do. It's really great to feel less alone.
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