Friendly reminder: Don't let other people's opinions stop you from loving your F/O. If your yumeship makes you happy, that's what matters. Embrace the "cringe" and have fun! ♡
Lately, I’ve run into quite a few people who are strongly opposed to yumeshipping. They claim it’s abnormal to get so attached to a fictional character, even suggesting that being a yume-shipper, specifically being non sharing, is a sign of mental illness(???) because you take a relationship "that isn't real" so seriously...? All I want to say is: SO WHAT? I'M HAPPY! (And they couldn't be more wrong!!!)
Personally, I don't see being in love with -or feeling a deep emotional connection to- a fictional character as being fundamentally different from playing video games, reading books, watching movies, or admiring any other form of art. In all of these cases, you're deeply engaging with a fictional world or a creative work.
What surprises me is that some people dismiss emotional connections to fictional characters without any real basis, while happily enjoying those same forms of media themselves. Every game, book, movie, anime, manga, or series exists because real people poured their creativity, passion, and countless hours into making it. Behind every fictional character are artists, writers, musicians, designers, animators, and many other talented people creating something meaningful. I don't think there's anything wrong with connecting with that art or with the emotions it evokes.
Humans have always formed emotional connections with stories. We've cried over fictional deaths, cheered for fictional heroes, and found comfort in fictional worlds for centuries. Yumeshipping is simply another way that some people experience and connect with fiction.
If my connection... if MY happiness bothers or embarrasses other people because I don't fit their idea of what's "normal," then I don't care. I'd rather be happy than sad spending my life trying to fit someone else's expectations. I think everyone here deserves to do the same!!
The truth is, we'll never be accepted by everyone - and that's okay. What's important is not letting that discourage you or bring you down. Be happy with the things you love, even if other people don't understand them.
This doesn't mean ignoring constructive criticism or refusing to reflect on yourself. It means being aware of what genuinely brings you joy and knowing the difference between advice meant to help you grow and words from people who don't care about your well-being, or even, thye are only trying to shame you.
Everyone experiences yumeshipping differently. Some people see it as a fun hobby, some use it as a creative outlet, and others form a deep emotional connection with their F/O. None of these experiences are more "valid" than the others.
If your F/O brings you genuine happiness, inspires you to become a better person, or helps you through difficult times, I don't see anything inherently wrong with that. Comfort, inspiration, and motivation can come from many different places, and for some of us, our F/O is one of them.
Of course, it's also important to protect yourself. There's nothing wrong with setting boundaries. If someone constantly makes you feel bad about your yumeship, it's okay to keep your distance. Instead, surround yourself with people who accept you, support you, and let you enjoy what makes you happy.
Life is already stressful enough. If something harmless makes you smile, gives you comfort, or motivates you to keep moving forward, don't let anyone convince you that you should be ashamed of it ♡
Thanks for reading this far!! I wish you the best of luck, and remember: your F/O adores you!