I use the hashtag #fangirl a lot. More than a women in her 30’s probably should. And I’m okay with that. When it comes to things like Harry Potter, the Hunger Games franchise, Jennifer Lawrence and Taylor Swift, I’m more than happy to declare myself a fangirl. Then the other day my sister-in-law Jess posted a message of sorts to those telling her she was too old for Harry Potter fandom. And it got me thinking.
Wait. If she’s too old then, I’m WAAAAY too old.
And hold on, does anyone other than my brother think that? He’s just cranky because when the books came out we made a nest and read for an entire day in it without him. Well, that and Jess recently got a deathly hallows tattoo… My hero. Maybe it’s just him. Maybe it’s not him at all. But what if other people think it. What if other people think we should give up our fangirling and get on with being a grown up?
Then I decided SO WHAT? I like what I like. I’m okay with being excited about that. I’m ok with being a little bit childlike about such things. When I dance badly, sing loudly and bop around my house or car, I don’t care what anyone else thinks about me. I’m chasing my happy. It’s a selfish joy I take in life. And I don’t care what you think. Well, not enough to change my behaviour anyway.
Simon Pegg said “Being a geek is about being honest about what you enjoy and not being afraid to demonstrate that affection. It means never having to play it cool about how much you like something. It’s basically a license to emote proudly on somewhat of a childish level rather than behave like a supposed adult. Being a geek is extremely liberating”.
I totally agree with Simon Pegg. I will emote proudly! I will feel things. I will find joy in the ridiculous. This fangirl (geek) loves what she loves and will do so until it just doesn’t appeal to me anymore. It will be my choice just as it was my choice to let go of Rainbow Bright as I moved into my teens. Leaving her behind with fond memories and all that, but behind none the less. Until then, I’ll be at the midnight screening of Mockingjay Part 1 if you need me.
As far as the title question goes. When should a fangirl grow up? My vote is NEVER EVER.
Like, ever.
Hi! I’m Melissa Walker Horn. Around here, they call me Suger. I’m the Chief Blogger and doer of all the things here at Suger Coat It. Blogging since 1901; I love a casual ootd, taking photos, and writing about things that irk or inspire me. I love wine and cheese, long days at the beach and spending time with my family. I make stuff for the internet over at Chalkboard Digital. You know, living the sweet life.
I don’t think it even comes down to fangirling. It’s about spreading joy in general! I get way more excited about Christmas and birthdays (other peoples too) than a supposed ‘adult’ should, but do I care? No sir! In fact, I love it! Not least of which is because I can see the happiness and positive energy is infectious to those around me. I will never ever be sorry for feeling happy, positive and excited about something that brings joy to people. And if you think I should be, then you’re just a big ole black cloud and I will not let you rain on my parade!
I was about to carry on the metaphor but it went to a place with umbrellas and puddles and it was confusing. So I won’t. Haha. Whatever you call it passion, excitement and love are what life’s about. Being a grown up shouldn’t lessen that, though it often does.
I agree! Always be a fan girl! Always be yourself! As the saying goes, hater’s gonna hate! =)
That’s what it comes down to right? Being yourself and being okay with shouting it from rooftops or whatever.
HAHA LOVE IT! #foreverfangirling
It started age 11 , Take That & still going strong age 34!
Didn’t we all. Haha. Fangirls Forever. 😉
Oh you’re never too old! When I first joined online fandom, many of the Trek and Star Wars fans I interacted with were middle-aged housewives. They taught me it was ok to SQUEE.
Being excited about geekery is so much more accepted now, it’s not just the domain of the Comic Book Guy anymore to bounce with excitement about new movie releases or convention appearances.
Never ever! I think it’s important to be excited about stuff. As much stuff as you can be and as often as possible.
I remember years ago, a guy I worked with and I both loved PJ Harvey and she was touring. I got tickets to see her and asked him if he was going. He told me he wanted to but thought he was too old. I never understood that. I mean it’s not like she draws a teenybopper crowd and I figure if you have the desire to do something, you’re not too old for it.
I love fangirling. Hell, I’ve been to Japan more than once (well more than once last year…) to see my favourite band play.
People do think you’re strange, I think if you get all fangirly over a band or a book or something like that when you a bit older but what about blokes and their obsessions with sports teams. Or with their fanboying all over Holdens or Fords. Same thing.
To be honest, I don’t think I can truly be friends with someone who isn’t a bit fangirly obsessive about something. Even if it’s something I don’t like or am not into, it’s about having passion about something rather than being boringly cool.
It’s always sad to see someone embarrassed by their fandom, I think. Why not just be out and proud that you love it. You’re a raving fan and that shows you’ve got passion in your life. Your right, all the best people are fangirls.
I left behind my Beatles fangirling when I went to high school. I’ve kinda been rediscovering that recently. I think it is ok to revisit some of that stuff you gave up. Why not? If it makes you happy…
For sure. Go back, forwards, wherever. Enjoy your walk down memory lane!
I also vote NEVER EVER EVER…..
Haha. Vote counted. 😉