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I'm Gonna Take a Guess
4 years ago
What's Reptu up to this time?
Okay, this is one of my sadder, more messed-up journals.
I'm gonna take a guess at why people become furries. I could definitely be wrong. I'm guessing that most people become furries because they're an outcast, or have had something traumatic happen with them in the past, whether it's something with family, friends, bullies, something. My overall assumption is that some incident has happened to someone that has made them turn to animal characters for emotional solace. At least for me, when I have problems with people or myself, I just find anthro animals extremely comforting. Since they are not a part of this universe, I just feel so soothed thinking about them- they're an escape to me.
Like I said, I could be wrong, and I don't mean to offend anyone. I know that many furries like anthro animals for other, more general reasons, because they simply like animals, or they were inspired by a show or movie. If you are one of those furries, that's awesome. I want to know if this is how you became interested in anthro animals. Overall, I just want to put this guess out there, and see how much of this is true. It's because not only that this hypothesis is true for me, but this is something I've noticed across furries- ones that I do know, and ones that I don't know, like what I've seen on YouTube. A lot of them seem to be super unique, and rejected by society in some way. Or, they have overcome some tremendous difficulty in their past.
So what's my story? Why do I come to anthro animals for comfort?
Okay, when I was born, I was completely covered in eczema- red, puffy, dry, cracking, bleeding, crusted skin. My mother desperately tried to find a remedy, but the doctors didn't give me the right ointments or lotions. Thus, I had to suffer for months before the solution was found to clear my skin. I still suffer from eczema to this day, but not nearly as badly as in my baby pictures. Jokingly, my actual skin looks reptile-like, because it's a bit scaly; it's called icthyosis.
Anyways, during the first years of a baby's development, millions of neural connections are made. Since I was dealing with eczema at that time, it has severely slowed me down in my development. Not only that, but also has my autism. Being a kid, I was always an outcast because of my unique interests and my social ineptitude. And yeah, I was bullied- kids would make fun of me and throw snacks at my face. This was more in my childhood. But still, as a teenager, I was pretty lonely, so I made my characters to comfort me. And now that I'm an adult, my disabilities plague me. I am extremely fortunate that I am on the high-functioning end of the autistic spectrum; I wouldn't trade it for anything. But still, it frustrates me. Because I am high-functioning, people assume that I am neurotypical. What's the problem with that? The problem is society doesn't recognize that my disability is a disability. I bring it up over and over again that I have Asperger's, yet they expect me to do tasks that normal people can like driving and getting a job. Nevertheless, these are tasks that my mind simply can't make sense of, because of my autism. Despite that, I am still expected to meet these demands, so I have no choice but to push through my own anxiety. When I get anxiety, I'll say it- I imagine myself as my scalesona being sad and hugged and snuggled by one of my characters, like Sailz, to comfort myself. That's when I'm truly weak. In the end, I am proud that I surmount all of these difficulties that I face, but it's a painful process, and I just want a break sometimes.
So that's how I'm a bit messed-up in my mind to turn to animal characters. I really do look towards them for my peace of mind. And once again, I'm not saying that because you're a furry, you have something messed-up in your mind or in your life. This is just me venting over my life and how my characters play into all of this.
I'm gonna take a guess at why people become furries. I could definitely be wrong. I'm guessing that most people become furries because they're an outcast, or have had something traumatic happen with them in the past, whether it's something with family, friends, bullies, something. My overall assumption is that some incident has happened to someone that has made them turn to animal characters for emotional solace. At least for me, when I have problems with people or myself, I just find anthro animals extremely comforting. Since they are not a part of this universe, I just feel so soothed thinking about them- they're an escape to me.
Like I said, I could be wrong, and I don't mean to offend anyone. I know that many furries like anthro animals for other, more general reasons, because they simply like animals, or they were inspired by a show or movie. If you are one of those furries, that's awesome. I want to know if this is how you became interested in anthro animals. Overall, I just want to put this guess out there, and see how much of this is true. It's because not only that this hypothesis is true for me, but this is something I've noticed across furries- ones that I do know, and ones that I don't know, like what I've seen on YouTube. A lot of them seem to be super unique, and rejected by society in some way. Or, they have overcome some tremendous difficulty in their past.
So what's my story? Why do I come to anthro animals for comfort?
Okay, when I was born, I was completely covered in eczema- red, puffy, dry, cracking, bleeding, crusted skin. My mother desperately tried to find a remedy, but the doctors didn't give me the right ointments or lotions. Thus, I had to suffer for months before the solution was found to clear my skin. I still suffer from eczema to this day, but not nearly as badly as in my baby pictures. Jokingly, my actual skin looks reptile-like, because it's a bit scaly; it's called icthyosis.
Anyways, during the first years of a baby's development, millions of neural connections are made. Since I was dealing with eczema at that time, it has severely slowed me down in my development. Not only that, but also has my autism. Being a kid, I was always an outcast because of my unique interests and my social ineptitude. And yeah, I was bullied- kids would make fun of me and throw snacks at my face. This was more in my childhood. But still, as a teenager, I was pretty lonely, so I made my characters to comfort me. And now that I'm an adult, my disabilities plague me. I am extremely fortunate that I am on the high-functioning end of the autistic spectrum; I wouldn't trade it for anything. But still, it frustrates me. Because I am high-functioning, people assume that I am neurotypical. What's the problem with that? The problem is society doesn't recognize that my disability is a disability. I bring it up over and over again that I have Asperger's, yet they expect me to do tasks that normal people can like driving and getting a job. Nevertheless, these are tasks that my mind simply can't make sense of, because of my autism. Despite that, I am still expected to meet these demands, so I have no choice but to push through my own anxiety. When I get anxiety, I'll say it- I imagine myself as my scalesona being sad and hugged and snuggled by one of my characters, like Sailz, to comfort myself. That's when I'm truly weak. In the end, I am proud that I surmount all of these difficulties that I face, but it's a painful process, and I just want a break sometimes.
So that's how I'm a bit messed-up in my mind to turn to animal characters. I really do look towards them for my peace of mind. And once again, I'm not saying that because you're a furry, you have something messed-up in your mind or in your life. This is just me venting over my life and how my characters play into all of this.
I have had quite a struggle with my life as well. Especially as an adult. It’s been hard, but thankfully. It’s finally starting to get better. With all the tragedies I have been through in my adulthood, it’s been making me stronger.
So, you've had it a bit hard too. I'm glad to hear that it's starting to get better for you. And thanks for telling me about a positive part about hardships: that you get stronger in the end.
After that, I remember having always had a very strong bond with cats and dragons, I can't say why. I notice that sometimes I have feline behaviors such as my attitude towards XD curiosity. Obviously I don't jump back on all fours when I'm scared, but I think your guess is quite plausible.
Society is unsuitable for us, when I look at the university system, they don't take us into account, their organization is a real chaos, my mind is a chaos when I think of the university. On the other hand, when I think of furries, it allows me to concentrate, to be clearer. I would like society to be more tolerant, open and adapted, as much to furries as to people with disabilities.
(my dream is to be able to hug my fursonas, cuz when i imagine that, i'm feeling really happy^^)
It's hard to explain why we like the certain animals that we like. They just appeal to us for no reason you can put into words. But, how you connected cats with being curious: that makes sense, and I like that. Curiosity is such a good attitude towards life, and it fits you, Xhhy, since you're smart and open to new things.
Wow, you see it too. Yeah, you know how that feels that people like us are not accounted for. It sucks, and like you said, I hope society can be more tolerant of others who are different, people who don't fill the typical mold.
Awwww, so cute! That would be the ultimate dream! I'd feel like if that happened to me, all of my problems would disappear.
Indeed, I had three cats at home and when I was not well I would come to see them and they were so affectionate. : 3, I think it's also a trait that I appreciate in cats, feline affection.
Your dragon looks so good on you too, I mean he's very emotional, kind, shy and at the same time covered with scales that form a kind of shell under which you can protect yourself and confront society.
And in addition, seeing him, we immediately want to take him in the arm ^^.
Same, I won't think about my problems anymore. ^^ After I admit that saying it, I was afraid that it would get weird, I know that I have a constant need to be comforted, probably because of the insecurity.
I hope you're doing well, I got worried when I saw your last two posts, but it's good to ask yourself these kinds of questions, they allow you to get better, to better understand yourself and to better understand others.
Aw, that's so sweet. Cats are super affectionate, and funny coincidence: I have three as well. They do have a way of lifting up your spirits in tough times.
Hey, that means so much to me; I'm blushing. Wow, that's pretty thoughtful that you see my scales as a sort of shell. I like that, because I do get shy at new challenges. Also, I feel like I'm in my own world, an outsider looking in.
That's good, and it's just better to not get down on who you are, the things you can't change.
Thanks, Xhhy. Um, I'd say I'm doing better. It's good for me to let out these frustrations, but now I'm focused on something else. A little busy, but I'm fine overall. And you said it. It is helpful, beautiful process to understand yourself and others. Amazingly, even though I know so much about myself, there's still a lot that I don't.
No indeed, ignoring yourself or being what you are not can only be negative. It's important to accept yourself you're right. ^^
You know? I personally entered the fandom by some friends that l used to have in those times, but unfortunately, we ended up estranging, and the friend who inspired me is now a popufur on Twitter, and he even criticized the fact that I chose a hedgehog, he told me l should be a fluffier animal...
I really can say this fandom is a great escape of reality, I like a lot assuming that l'm my hedgehog, and all that, we sure have had rough lives, l also was bullied, and quite lonely, specially on my last year's of high school.
Anyways, this is not for me, I really appreciate you, and I understand your struggling, specially because of your autism, it has been tough, don't give up, you know you have people who appreciate you as you are, and you can do it. *hugs*
Oh, I never knew that. Cool to know your origins. And that's crazy that one of your former friends became a popufur. Wow, you've had such a wild story. He criticized the fact you chose a hedgehog? Seriously? First, who does that: criticizing people's choices in fursona species? Second, dude, being a hedgehog is super cool, because that's such a rare species in the fandom. And not to mention you made an original hedgehog character, because I see Sonic everywhere. Why be fluffy when you can be spiky? I mean, Dave, you practically own the word "spiky." It's become iconic for your profile.
Yes, you said it: that this fandom is a great escape from reality. I love assuming that you're a hedgehog, too. You fit your fursona so much. I sometime believe that peoples' fursonas make more sense than their actual, human selves. Oh wow, so you've felt that: the bullying and being excluded. I'm sorry for that. Life can stink in so many ways that it makes sense why we would want this escape, which was a point I was trying to make in my journal.
Oh, thank you for being considerate of me. But, you are free to talk as much as you want about yourself, because I wrote this journal, wanting to know more about you guys. Also, thank you for those words as support. Before writing this journal, I was wondering if I can even be this open to you all. But yeah, I can, and I am truly thankful I have friends like you, who are so encouraging and helpful for whatever struggles I may have. *hugs* (I'll try not to hurt myself x3).
Overall, I appreciate that you took the time to comment to this journal, since I know you're going through troubles of your own at this very moment.
And aww, thanks a bunch for that, I can say that was really disappointing, because I appreciated a lot that friend, l considered one of my best friends, and now he has another ones, more popular and successful as artists and people in the fandom, you know? I still keep the hope he will come back to me, due to that appreciate l have towards him, so silly l am, heh...
And thanks for that! I've done my best to be original and cool about my hedgie, mostly because of this fandom full of canines. ^^;
Yes, it's right, we assume and show how we are ourselves more through our fursonas, and it's so awesome, we can be completely ourselves! And sometimes I wish I could have met the furry fandom on my high school years. :'3
And of course! How you have been a great support to me, l want to support you as well, you're a nice friend to me and I appreciate you! Thanks a lot for sharing all of this, Reptu! X3
Man, that must hurt. But he doesn't know what he's missing out on. And I think that's rather nice and forgiving of you to hope that he will come back to you. And yes, that's so awesome how you stand out among many of the species in this fandom; you have definitely succeeded.
I can't express how much you mean to me, Dave, and I appreciate you as well! It's awesome how we've come to know each other and how we help each other out in our lives. And thank you for listening and sharing your thoughts, Dave! :3
Aww, of course! You deserve that support and caring! You have been really nice to me, and you deserve that support and caring as well!
I know feeling that way helped me choose my fursona when I was younger, and I've been day dreaming and thinking about animals talking animals and anthros for as long as I can remember. I feel I have a lot in common with rats and feel like I really am a little ratty at heart, I'm a fairly quiet and shy person for one most of the time, but I actually love the company of others and also feel that people taking me just at face value often get the wrong impression of me, they don't see me for how I really am and tend to just overlook me, which is how I feel rats can often be treated.
When I'm not feeling good I do pretty much the exact same thing as you, I imagine myself as skorix and think about being cuddled and hugged by close friends fursonas or my other characters, being a little ratty and cuddled up in the arms of a loving big wolf, dog, dragon etc.soundsntruky amazing and it's something I've done when I'm not feeling good for as long as I can remember. its one of the best things for making me feel better.
With that said though even when I'm feeling really happy I'm still thinking the same things, when I have a quiet moment later in the day and I can reflect on what I got up to, I love to picture myself as my fursona doing all the same things, be that travelling to and from work, reading, or laying in bed at night, it makes moments that are already good feel even better. Ultimately I feel like it is in some ways a comfort thing as being a furry, being in this community and having such wonderful friends and characters have helped me through hard times, but it's also a way to better appreciate the world around me and to express the way I really see myself, my place in the world and how I wish I could be (I'd always pick to be my fursona if given the option x3) and so nice to have found a community where I do feel I fit in ^.^
*bruxes and hugs* wishing you all the best Reptu, you are a lovely dragon ^.^
So, that's how you came to like anthro animals. So cool! Yeah, you really nailed it on your connection about yourself and rats- that they are an animal that tends to get overlooked. Rats are actually super cute, and I totally get what you're saying: that there is so much to know about you that most do not consider. Also, I get joyful over the fact you chose this species in the fandom, since it is so rare; all of those art pieces you have of yourself and another character look amazing since a rat + another species is an unusual combination that gets me thinking. Overall, this is really nice to know more about you.
Awww, you do that too? That's awesome, and super adorable. Those commissions you've gotten with AJ I could definitely feel the love and emotion, and it soothes me and takes me out of my world when I look at them. It's hard to explain why imagining yourself as your fursona snuggling with another can bring you out of those negative emotions. The way I put it is that an anthro animal, being so cute and friendly, made up of this lovable flesh and bones, can just absorb all of your bad thoughts if you just hug them, like their cuteness sucks away your bad thoughts if you just make contact with them.
Beautifully said. I've actually never heard of that where you reflect on the day and imagine yourself as your fursona doing the things you did do throughout. Now that you say it, I'd like to try that, and I think it would add some sort of pride to my actions, so thank you for sharing that. Like I said in another comment, the way we present ourselves as animal characters: I think they tend to make more sense than our actual selves. Yes, this community is truly something worthwhile to get into; never have I found such a place where I feel like I belong so well. I don't know that I'd do in life had I never discovered it.
*hugs* (Sorry, I don't know what bruxes are). Thank you, Skorix, for wishing me well, and you too are a lovely rat.^^ So cute!
Aww thank you so much for saying, and yes I feel like it's exactly that, there's way more to them than people see, I'm so glad you think they are cute though, it always makes me so happy to hear people say that and ever so kind of you to say that about me choosing a rat myself ^.^I think a dragon was a lovely choice for your sona, for one you draw them so wonderfully and I just adore Reptu's design, but talking with you I get warm and friendly feelings which are things I associate with friendly dragons ^.^ I'm so glad I can help make others feel happy and with the pictures I've gotten too, I love your artwork as well I must say, your style is so sweet!
I do think it's very much that for why it makes one feel better, and I think also part of it, at least for me where I associate animals and anthros mostly with love, happiness, positive feelings, even in sadder pictures or scenes, it makes me feel better because it's not only cuddling with those you love, but doing so in a way that's on a deeper level, seeing each other in a way you want to be seen and the feeling that others see you that way too, it makes me happy deep inside that so many people see me and my fursona one in the same. it all combined helps to take away the negative feelings.
you're more than welcome! ^.^ I'm not sure when I started doing it honestly, I know as a kid daydream and imagine myself going to fantastical places so I think it probably grew out of that, and I can understand the feeling on that, for me my fursona is how I wish I could be seen and a reflection on the way I see myself inside, its why it makes me so happy to be here, to be able to see that in others so clearly and to get to share those feelings with them is a wonderful thing ^.^
*I giggle and snug to you as you brux on me and hug me back* ohh thats okay hehe, its one of the happiest sounds rats make ^.^ its like a cat purring for us in a way, and thank you so much for the kind words Reptu, it means an awful lot to me!
But you've got friends like me that are here to support you buddy, don't give up! :3
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Why did I join the fandom? Multiple reasons. I needed something interesting in my life. My life is pretty boring. I needed to improve my creativity, my creative style is just, blocky. And I grew up watching Bakugan, so dragon be me from main character of Drago.
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That's interesting, and I'm happy to know. It's really cool to go out and do something different, and enter a different world. Also, it's a wonderful thing that there's a huge creative aspect to this fandom, and interacting with others will get those juices flowing. Yes, ah, Drago. So cool of a character- it's awesome we all have our inspirations. I'd say mine is Rocko from Rocko's Modern Life, but I think you knew that. :3
In terms of growing up instead of trying to get to know people, I started pushing people away from. I mean I made a couple friends, but kept distancing away from people. This happened during my Jr High and High School years. Even in college I kept distancing away from people. I always hated group projects and I get anxious with just the thought of that. I even don’t like chatting with people at work sometimes (both coworkers and customers).
But yeah, I always found peace with solitude (still do sometimes), just me and my characters. But lately after chatting with you and a couple others here and on Discord, I have been feeling like I can open up and be myself.
So yeah, thanks for sharing your story with us, I got to you know you a little bit more. I’m happy we’re friends :D
Wow, this is very nice to know more about you. So interacting with others presents a challenge for you, but hey that's good you found something that works for you; that's all that matters. Yes, it totally get that: peace and solitude with you and your characters. I think that brings a nice state of tranquility, since it removes all the chaos of being around so many others. But I am happy to hear that you have been talking with others on Discord and opening up. Truly, DGF, you are an awesome person to know, and it gives me so much joy to learn about you.
You're welcome, and thank you as well for sharing some about yourself. I'm happy that we're friends too, and that was so lucky that we happened to find each other on this site. :D
Why furries? Actually it's the most close way to approach to fantasy and animals. In general animals are cool, but all of us would like that they were more "people like". Also we all had in our childhood some animal toy or book with animal characters or stuffed animal, these become our (only) friend(s) in bad times. So its common that these toys or imaginary friends get the "upgrade" to be furry OCs.
Seriously, what you said blew my mind, and this was an answer that I was looking for. You got it. Wow, in our childhood there are animals around us- toys, books, stuffed animals, and in turn, we turn to them in troubled times. And the furry fandom is just the manifestation to all of these things, and a bunch of things you mentioned: The fandom is an intersection of fantasy and animals, animals are cool, we would like to think that animals are more "people-like," and animal characters become our friends in tough times because of ties to our childhood.
Thank you for your input. No joking, I will certainly write down what you said. This was an answer that was right in front of me, but I just couldn't put it all together.
Also, as for this guess, it was revealing what you guys have said, as a whole. I think, overall, there is some truth to my guess, but it doesn't necessarily apply to everyone. This fandom is truly a strange and awesome phenomenon that we're taking part in, and it was fascinating to uncover some of the hidden truths behind it: why we do the things that we do. In all, this is an incredible journey, and I can't wait to see what places I'll go here with you guys.
I don't know, but when I see an anthro animal character, it's like they're on your side, no matter who you are; it's just so comforting. In one way, it's sad that our lives are not the happiest, but in another way, it's cool that we're a group of deep, complex lives.