Role-playing (rp) is something that can be done in multiple ways. Live action, games, etc., but I love to just write back and forth with someone. Whether I am working with my own character, or I am playing as a character from a TV show, it really allows for people to communicate in a different way. This different type of conversation is what made me more confident. What do I mean by this? Well, it's easier for me to just explain this through a timeline.

Around the age of 12, I stumbled onto a website called Fanpop. Fanpop is a website that allows for people to "fan" pages and make friends with people around the world who have similar interests. I was clueless as to how to really start a conversation with anyone, let alone what role-play was. Sites like these ones are a popular way for people to pick up role-play, and really find a way to express themselves in a way they feel comfortable with. Yes, there are other types besides the one I am discussing, and they each have their own unique way of letting a person feel more involved, but I prefer the personal one-on-one chat type of role-play. Fanpop allowed for me to have this through their messenger system. I'll admit, when I first started rping, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I was scared that I would do something to cause the other person to not like me, especially since I had no experience what so ever with the topic. I did not realize how wrong I was until I got into the story with someone.

As time went by, so did many of the people I talked with. I knew that it was bound to happen, but I couldn't help but feel like it was my fault that they decided to leave. Then I met Gaby. Gaby is a girl I have been rping with for almost four years now, and I really feel like she is the reason I have so much more confidence in myself. Through our role-plays, which are generally the cast of 'Glee' mixed in with our Own Characters (OC's) as well as the cast of 'Supernatural.' I know, weird combination right? For us, though, it just feels right. This was one of the things I was scared she may not like about me; the fact that I liked to mix shows together and have the characters interact with one another. We also managed to build a friendship with each other besides the rp. We occasionally stop and just talk to one another about random things, such as how we are feeling, how school is going, what is good to watch on Netflix, etc. We managed to find a lot of things we had in common, and suddenly I did not feel so bad about liking the things I do.

Back to why the conversations made me more confident. My OCs (original characters), my most popular being named Luna, actually portray what I am like in real life. Like me she is shy, she gets hurt easily, she is easily embarrassed, but through rping situations that are similar to what can happen in real life, I have come to learn that it will occasionally happen, and it is alright if they do. I am personally not a huge fan of doing something wrong, like many people, and because of it my self confidence goes down. Through practicing the scenario in a rp, I am able to figure out a better way to handle the situation, and not get so upset about it. I went from not being able to say hello to someone in front of me, to executing a smooth conversation with someone at work when need be. I don't think I would be as good at socializing as I am if it wasn't for my years of experience role-playing.

Overall, rp is more than just pretend. For me it is a way to express myself, and know that I can overcome situations that may arise. They are not always going to be easy, but thanks to everything I have rp'd over the years, I now can say that I have a new found confidence that I know will help me through the situation. If you have ever considered, or are currently considering, role-playing, I definitely say go for it. Many people have benefited from it, and it is just something that will really help relax, and educate, you.