Imaginary friend... or foe?
Flakey Hobbes Wacky Files, # 248
At some point of our lives, we'd have an imaginary friend. Ain't it cute to see your younger sibling or your child holding their imaginary friend's hand and talking to him/her? Sure is! According to
Disney Encyclopedia imaginary friends is part of growing up.But what happens if this habit continues into adulthood? Freaky, I'd say. You need help for sure!
Hear my wacky views on imaginary friends in adulthood...
The escapist
The world is a huge wolf, always on the prowl to gobble you up. The pressures of daily life is enough to cause you temporary loss of sanity. 'Woe is me, woe is me!' is all you could utter. Worse, no one seems to understand the predicament you're going through. 'Oh, if only Marty was here! He'll understand'. And so begins your reconciliation with your long lost buddy... only he doesn't exist! You begin to eat, sleep and talk to him, abandoning everyone and everything else. Slowly, your mind is sucked out from this world. What happens next, I leave it to your imagination!
The perfectionist
Your idea of perfectionism is having matching (and clean) floormats outside every bathroom door in your house. You freak out if one of the mats is slightly faded. Extreme perfectionist, need I elaborate further? A day won't pass by without you nitpicking on others. No one (and seriously no one) measures up to your meticulous ways. Who else will tolerate you but your friend, Perfect Peter?
The bored and lonely
'No one understands me!' you scream silently every single morning you wake up. (if you do wake up, that is) You need personal space but yet lament when everyone gives you the space. You desperately seek companionship, but become edgy when approached. How you wish you can have friends that will come and go as you please. *a bulb lights up!* And so begins your on-off friendship with Matt, Kel, Sue, Rick, etc.
The illusionist
The illusionist is somewhat like the escapist, with a touch of magic. (ok, kidding) The escapist is unable to face life pressures but the illusionist conjures up imaginary friends for the fun of it. While the escapist is looking for solace and comfort in their 'friend', the illusionist imagines elaborate identities for each of their friend(s). They have names, their own lives and gasp! may interact with one another. This self absorbed world is so intricate, it's like watching a prime time Latino soap opera.
Sometimes, it's difficult to recognise these symptoms yourself. Most of the time, your friends or family would be the one to notice the erratic behavioral patterns. It's a touchy issue and will need a tactful approach. Whatever you do, remember to seek help.
Do unto others as how you'd want others to do unto you.
"The imaginary friends I had as a kid dropped me because their friends thought I didn't exist". -- Henry Miller
