Anime! Many people enjoy it and so many more people could. I love anime and it’s been a staple in my life consistently for the last ten or so years. It would steadily increase the more and more I watched for myself and not for anyone else. And while I can go on and on about why anime is so great, I do have a confession. Sometimes, I can go for lengths without watching it. All of this is because: I am too attached to watch.

It’s quite the phenomenon if I say so myself. Picture this, you’re watching your favorite anime episode and your favorite character appears on screen. You’re all engaged with the show, waiting on the edge of your seat, just waiting. You don’t know if you’re waiting for your favorite character when they successes or when they will die, but you just keep waiting. That feeling, that waiting feeling, that’s what it feels like when you get too attached.

For example, I’m so attached that I had a hard time getting to through (SPOILERS COMING IN 3..2..1..) Ace’s death. So much so that I avoided One Piece FOR MONTHS. MONTHS Y’ALL! I was low-key stressed when the Straw Hats got separated from each other after trying to fight Kuma. I was not ready. When I knew Deku and Bakugou would be fighting, I had to try to find the manga version so I would know the outcome. Part of these feelings might be trying to lessen the suspense of a story, but I actually like suspense. The main reason honestly, is that I am too attached to the characters.

I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. Through the storytelling and character development, I get wound into these feelings for each character. I’m wishing for their well-being. I want them to find their purpose or get their true love. I’m attached just like those BTS fans. While I’m not obsessive like some (no shade y’all), I want to see them all succeed. So what do you do when you’re too attached? How can you continue your love of anime when all of your emotions wrapped into the plotline?

You have to push through! By the way I’m still currently testing this theory. But if it’s an anime that you love, and you can’t bear to let it go. For a show like One Piece you can take solace in that he and his friends survive most of whatever’s thrown at them. But for shows like The God of High School or Tower of God you have to leave in the moment. You are experiencing the joys and sad with others.

And that’s the next solution! Get around others who love the characters too! Find yourself a happy community to geek out about your favorite character this week. Come join us on @thenerdligt Instagram so we can talk about it! I love finding and expanding the Nerd Light with more people who love anime just as much as I do. Let me know if this is you too! I love making new anime friends. Peace