No matter how exciting our real lives might be, there is just something intoxicating about a good series in which we can escape into any kind of world imaginable. Fiction, whether through our favorite shows or books, sucks us in more greatly than we might realize while browsing television or tackling a new story. After all, sometimes all we need is an inspiring plotline with relatable characters.
Of course, once we take that average enjoyment to the next level and immerse ourselves fully into a fictitious culture, we are no longer just fans. We become part of a fandom. We might look like everyone else on the outside, but there are a few sure signs to identify even the most elusive members.
1. You know the lingo.
No matter how unique the source of a fandom, each one shares a basic and general vocabulary. For example, almost every fandom features a main ship. Whether or not that ship is canon rarely matters to us more obsessive fans. Every ship also comes with its own celebrity name combination. Of course, each individual fandom has its own distinct language as well. For instance, most fandom members would likely argue that a character’s catchphrase is just as important as his or her name itself.
2. You enjoy the inside jokes.
Following the trivia, every fandom also comes with humor that non-members will probably only find confusing or senseless. However, for the rest of us, these inside jokes add a fun touch of exclusivism. In addition to the signature catchphrases and comebacks, fandom members might quote lines and even entire scenes to reenact the most memorable moments with other fans. After witnessing a few laughs, outsiders cannot help but secretly desire to belong to the fandom too. If nothing else, others probably wish we came with translators at the very least.
3. You collect all the merchandise.
Whether clothing or jewelry, fandom merchandise is the most obvious form of identification for any member. Collecting unique accessories or trinkets is also a great way to showcase your passion for the fandom. After all, nothing better displays or guards a member’s interests than an army of miniature figurines on one’s bookcase or desk. Merchandise can also sneak one’s love for a fandom into everyday life. Regardless of the extent of one’s collection, though, every member needs at least a keychain as memorabilia of a favorite show, story or character.
4. You rank and identify with the characters.
Just knowing the main characters’ names isn’t enough. Truly devoted fans know characters’ strengths, weaknesses and even the obscurest details. Of course, we value the characters for more than just their basic information. We rank protagonists and antagonists alike and consider everything from a sense of humor to a tragic childhood. It also helps to share a couple preferences and personality quirks with our favorite characters. We might even create an imaginary hierarchy, to which we strive to remain loyal throughout all seasons or chapters.
5. You are more invested than others will ever understand.
Once fan-fiction becomes part of our everyday lives, we can no longer deny how far into the fandom we have fallen. Of course, non-members might never understand the appeal. After all, a fandom is an entirely other world with its own army and standards. A member’s greatest fear is a cliffhanger, and there is no greater thrill in a fandom than when a ship finally sets sail. Others might not be able to understand or accept the fandom life, but each fandom provides endless entertainment within a close-knit community of equally obsessed individuals for the rest of us.
