Heya Friends,
Well, I've been reading this very excellent thread for a while and I've been a little scared of jumping in ... It seems like the main question could lead to some *interesting* revelations.
So, I'll start with a few simple observations... I love the film as a film and will never tire of watching it or picking it apart in discussions. It's interesting to see how my interest in the movie and my participation in these boards have evolved... Participation in these boards has taken on a life of its own. Spending time on Bettermost is definitely far superior to watching bad TV, etc. so in my true leisure time I often can't wait to log on here. And, I would definitely agree that there's
a lot of escapism involved here for me too. I just think it's amazing fun to have this big group of people who understand all of our obscure references, Brokie-language and jokes (jokes that
no one besides a Brokie would get or find funny). Talking about BBM with people in my real life is annoying and stressful to me. And, I don't have much patience for talking to BBM "novices" in the real world (I don't mean newbies here... I think it's great when new people join in here. New members here clearly come here with a great deal of insight into the film). I have too many emotions tied up with the film to be able to talk about it casually with people. So it's nice to be able to assume that people here know what you're talking about and you don't need to constantly explain everything.
On a more personal level... I just moved here (well actually about a year ago) and besides people at work, I haven't had much time to meet many new people. In an unfortunately Ennis-like way, I'm noticing that I'm becoming
very circumspect about trying to make new friends or about letting conversations with new people go too far... for fear of having to come out to them. This was all much easier in college and during grad school... dealing with this in the professional world is a whole different ballgame. I'm also single... so this new loner quality of mine is not helping in that department either. I never used to be like this... I've always had a large circle of friends (and I still do... only they all live far away now). I don't know... I'm hoping this is a phase that will pass (I don't mean my Bettermost days... I mean my lack of interest in going out much).
ps. Yeah, Chris, it's great to see you around! Where you been?