We are all fans of something, whether it be of sports, music, movies, actors, or anything else that gets our hearts pumping and keeps us excited in this downer called life. I myself take pride in being a fan of multiple things; my nerdy heart and easily-impressed nature allows me to love a variety.
However, there are some who transcend the plane of being merely a fan of something. We are the ones who take our obsessions to the next level; we are the rabid nerds who unite to form a family. A fandom.
We are fangirls.
Now, a fangirl is a special, more intense, breed of fan, and not everyone is able to reach this level of...enthusiasm. But here are some signs that you just may be a fangirl.
1. You watch the show or movie religiously.
You can't be a fan of a show or movie if you have never watched it. Fangirls need to watch their favorite show, movie, or read their favorites series habitually. We are faithful creatures, and will continue watching until the very end. Missing our favorite show or movie when it comes on is like missing the birth of our child. The new episode airs in 10 minutes, but you're still 30 minutes away? People better clear the streets because there is no way you're missing it.
2. You watch all of the bloopers, gag reels, behind the scenes and cast interviews available.
Watching the show just isn't enough. We adore these actors and want to see more. What goes on behind the show that you love? Are these people as lovable as their characters? ...oh look! An hour long compilation of "Parks and Recreation" gag reels! I better watch it twice just to make sure I don't miss anything hilarious.
3. Your dream vacation is Comic-Con.
While some people dream of going to Hawaii or the Bahamas, a fangirl would love nothing more than to go to Comic-Con. Cosplaying, getting to meet the cast, viewing sneak peeks, and getting to interact with your kind of people. What's not to love? Of course, I do have one problem with Comic-Con. I never get to go!
4. When you hear the theme song come on.
My family likes to play the game "let's turn on the opening of Allie's favorite show and see if she comes out of her room."
5. You stay up all night reading fanfiction... or writing it.
The end is never the end! Fangirls refuse to let the show be over. The last page of the book is really just the gateway to a new one. We scour Tumblr, Reddit, Archive of Our Own, Fanfiction.net, and any other cite for stories that will appease our need for more. Fanfiction allows the story to continue in any way you want. Looking for a story that sets the character in another time period, location, age, cannon divergence, or alternate universe? There's a fanfiction for that! Other fans work tirelessly to keep the story going, and we get to read it. Can't find exactly what you're looking for? Just travel down the dark void deeper and write fanfiction yourself! Really by this point, there's no turning back.
6. You try to explain shipping... and fail miserably.
It's like the "ship" part...of the word "relationship". And you want a relationship...between two characters... Um. Because you think they should be together... so you just... Ship them. Ugh, never mind.
7. You have way more than just one OTP.
OTP stands for one true pair, and a fangirl has way more than just one. There's just too much love in the world! Plus, those dorks just need to be together already.
8. Hiatuses...
We. Hate. Them.
9. You call a 30-year-old man your baby.
Your favorite actor is a full grown man with a career and family, but he is your precious child and sweet little cinnamon roll. You just want to hug them and protect them.
10. You freak out at seemingly random times.
This is where the term "fangirling" originates. We always seem to be freaking out about something. We just can't contain our excitement whenever we see a sneak peek, our OTP, or a picture of our favorite actor.
11. Pterodactyl Noises.
Another form of "fangirling." The fangirl, a passionate creature, is unable to contain their excitement, and as a result emits a high-pitched squeal. Some scientists say it is to ward off nearby predators. But we know that it is just because...we just...can't...asdfiesdkjf!
12. Random uncontrollable sobbing.
Sometimes we just can't handle all of the feels! True story: When I watched the Sherlock season 2 finale, I sat on my bed crying for a solid half-hour before my mom finally had to console me.
13. Your text conversations with your best friend look something like this.
Every fangirl has to have an in-depth conversation about an actor's sexiness at some point.
(This particular conversation went on for quite a while.)
...Or like this.
(This message brought to you via 1 a.m.)
If you have done any of these things, then you are most likely a fangirl. And remember: this term is not specifically for the female gender. Anyone can be a fangirl! As long as you're slightly crazy and passionate about something, you can be a fangirl too!
