Reader’s Question:
Is it weird for a girl to like anime? I want to talk about my favorite anime with my friends, but I feel uncomfortable with the judgmental looks from the popular kids.
Embracing Your Love for Anime
So, I remember back in high school, I was kind of in the
same boat as that girl. I had this deep passion for anime, and I just wanted to share it with my friends. But you know how it goes—there were always those “popular kids” who seemed to look down on anything that didn’t fit their idea of cool. It was intimidating! One time, I was at lunch, sitting with my usual crew, and out of nowhere, I started talking about my latest obsession, this really quirky anime that had me laughing my head off. I was so excited! But when I glanced up, I caught a couple of those popular kids snickering at us. I felt my face heat up, and I almost wished I could disappear into my bento box. But then, one of my friends, let’s call him Kenji, chimed in with a hilarious impression of one of the characters. It completely broke the tension, and suddenly, everyone was laughing. That moment made me realize that the joy of sharing something you love could easily overshadow any judgment from others.
Finding Your Tribe
The thing is, it’s not really about how others perceive you—it’s about finding your tribe. Sure, some people might think it’s “weird” for a girl to like anime, but honestly, who cares? We all have our quirks and passions, and that’s what makes life interesting! I mean, look at me—I can’t stop talking about stand-up comedy and manzai, and sometimes I get those weird looks too. But at the end of the day, it’s all about what brings you joy. I remember one day, I decided to host an anime watch party at my place. I went all out with snacks—like, maybe a few too many bags of chips and way too much soda. I was so nervous about how my friends would react, but once they settled in and started watching, it turned into one of the best nights ever. We laughed, quoted lines, and even tried to reenact some of the funny scenes. It felt liberating to just be ourselves without worrying about anyone else’s opinions.
Letting Go of Judgments
As for the judgmental looks, it’s definitely easier said than done, but try not to let them get to you. If you’re passionate about something, it deserves to be shared. And hey, if someone thinks it’s “weird,” that’s their loss! You’d be surprised how many people out there share your interests. Sometimes all it takes is a little courage to start a conversation. So, I encourage you to embrace your love for anime! Talk about it, share your favorite moments, and don’t shy away from your passions. Who knows? You might find a fellow anime lover who feels the same way but has been too shy to speak up. I’d love to hear your stories! Have you ever faced judgment for your interests? How did you deal with it? Share your experiences or tips in the comments! Let’s celebrate our quirks together!