Leaving Behind My Best Friend

Off Topic
61

[quote]Typhoon wrote:

[quote]SkyzykS wrote:

[quote]Typhoon wrote:

[quote]csulli wrote:

[quote]Typhoon wrote:
I can think of much worse things for a son to be doing than this. While certainly not something a Dad would be thrilled with, I can hardly say that this is up there on my list of things I truly hope my son doesn’t end up doing. [/quote]
You’re obviously not getting it.[/quote]

I am not getting that this just isn’t that high up on my list of things I hope my son doesn’t do? You can say you have a different view about it but it’s pretty presumptuous to think that I don’t get my own opinion/list. [/quote]

You keep referring to this list, which makes me curious.

Do you have a son?
[/quote]

Yes, 2 in a half. [/quote]

Ok, because I have a little one too. Some of the stuff I’ve thought about has been along these lines. I’d feel very badly as a parent if my son turned out like these bronies are being described.

I mean, sure there are tons of things that could be worse, but there is also a whole lot that is better.

62

[quote]SkyzykS wrote:

[quote]Typhoon wrote:

[quote]SkyzykS wrote:

[quote]Typhoon wrote:

[quote]csulli wrote:

[quote]Typhoon wrote:
I can think of much worse things for a son to be doing than this. While certainly not something a Dad would be thrilled with, I can hardly say that this is up there on my list of things I truly hope my son doesn’t end up doing. [/quote]
You’re obviously not getting it.[/quote]

I am not getting that this just isn’t that high up on my list of things I hope my son doesn’t do? You can say you have a different view about it but it’s pretty presumptuous to think that I don’t get my own opinion/list. [/quote]

You keep referring to this list, which makes me curious.

Do you have a son?
[/quote]

Yes, 2 in a half. [/quote]

Ok, because I have a little one too. Some of the stuff I’ve thought about has been along these lines. I’d feel very badly as a parent if my son turned out like these bronies are being described.

I mean, sure there are tons of things that could be worse, but there is also a whole lot that is better.

[/quote]

Agreed.

Bad list…

  1. Serial killer
  2. Pedophile
  3. Rapist
  4. Addict
  5. Politician
  6. Brony
63

And 6 may be captured in 1 & 2.

64

[quote]macahl wrote:

[quote]csulli wrote:

[quote]Typhoon wrote:

[quote]csulli wrote:

[quote]Typhoon wrote:
You are assuming that everyone who watches this show as an adult is like that.

Or that only introverts, half-wits totally bereft of any self-esteem, confidence are ones interested in these things.
[/quote]
Excellent null hypothesis! If only we had data![/quote]

Well lets see my opinion is actually grounded on examples of knowing some of these guys…your is…pulled out of your ass as far as I can tell.[/quote]
Oh I see… I’m sorry I offended you Typhoon. I don’t want anypony on TNation to feel persecuted. I want you to know that I love and tolerate you, and if we ever met in person, I would give you a brohoof.[/quote]

Aaaahhahahaa stop please

OP I agree with a few other posters here, stay friends with him because you guys are friends, but really he isn’t your responsibility, as much as you seem to want to take it on (I’m the same way).

I basically volunteered to put my friend through high school (hasn’t graduated) by answering everything for him just so he wouldn’t have to be considered a low life, still wouldn’t get it together and go so eventually I just gave up. It’s not worth it, just don’t let the guy drag you down, break it off if that starts.[/quote]

Yeah, I agree. I really try to help people out, and I consider myself somebody that won’t intentionally give up on a friendship because of a bit of weirdness. But there does come a point where you simply cannot allow YOURSELF to be dragged down–at this point it is no longer a question of helping somebody out or of being an asshole leaving a friend, it’s a question of self-protection lest you sink under someone else’s weight.

For me the best advice here is still the Bird’s. Go out, have a beer with him on occasion, no need to cut ties and you can still care about your friend. But watch how much time you spend with him because you are the sum of the people you hang around in your spare time. So don’t let him drag you down or slow you up.

65

[quote]Madtytecurls wrote:
The only anime I have ever liked and continue to like today is Dragonball Z.
[/quote]

66

[quote]MrZsasz wrote:

[quote]csulli wrote:

[quote]Typhoon wrote:
I can think of much worse things for a son to be doing than this. While certainly not something a Dad would be thrilled with, I can hardly say that this is up there on my list of things I truly hope my son doesn’t end up doing. [/quote]
You’re obviously not getting it.[/quote]

So is it just the “brony” thing that is the problem? Because it seems like that is just one part of the OP’s issue with his friend, a big one but still. More that he has no drive or motivation to do anything. Or that his drive and motivation is to things that the OP considers hobbies or pastimes. It was mentioned that his parents are wealthy, but how wealthy? If this is just some rich kid who has chosen to idle his life away due to no money issues, it’s a different story somewhat. Somewhat.

Not to say that the “brony” thing isn’t on the way far side of weird, but would this still be the issue if he was hyper-interested in a sports team? We all know that guy, watches every game, has multiples jerseys, constantly listens to sports talk radio, has to watch the draft, talks about every teen player who is up and coming, etc.[/quote]

His parents are more upper middle class. I grew up in Douglas Country Colorado and so did he and most of us admittedly come from pretty well off families. They make enough money to provide for him at least.

What you said is true, the Brony thing is not the huge issue rather it is his lack of motivation to do anything productive in his life.
I should also mention that my friend sadly has other friends who are a lot like him. They usually come in two different shapes, either way too fat or way too skinny. Many of them are anime nerds, video game addicts, and Bronies and they pride themselves as being part of the nerd sub-culture.
What I always used to think though was that being a nerd also meant being academically talented. Aren’t nerds supposed to do well in school and enjoy studying?

I don’t really think these guys are nerds, they’re just losers.

67

[quote]four60 wrote:
Hey you may want to talk to him about his hobby to check how far does it really go. [/quote]

no point in doing this… they are already watching him

68

Definitely keep trying to save this loser, then blame him for your life being subpar. Get angry and defensive at my post. By all means make sure to not improve your life. It’s impossible to just play video games with him for a couple hours a week and not get sucked into his shittyness.

69

[quote]browndisaster wrote:
By all means make sure to not improve your life. It’s impossible to just play video games with him for a couple hours a week and not get sucked into his shittyness.[/quote]

Bullshit. If you are that weak and pathetic, so be it, but don’t make it out to be some universal law that you must be a sheep and follow the pack. All my friends are heavy drinkers, quite of few of them smoke, more than half of them regularly smoke weed and make use of other recreational drugs, none of them ever read except when they are forced to and even then, none go to the gym though none are sedentary, and half of them play video games daily.

I don’t drink in any real way, smoke, have never done drugs, I read voraciously, I train consistently, and Mario Kart on Super Nintendo was about when I realized I don’t seem to have enough fingers to play most modern games. So what am I, some super special iron willed ubermensch? I call bullshit on you, sir.

70

[quote]MrZsasz wrote:

[quote]browndisaster wrote:
By all means make sure to not improve your life. It’s impossible to just play video games with him for a couple hours a week and not get sucked into his shittyness.[/quote]

Bullshit. If you are that weak and pathetic, so be it, but don’t make it out to be some universal law that you must be a sheep and follow the pack. All my friends are heavy drinkers, quite of few of them smoke, more than half of them regularly smoke weed and make use of other recreational drugs, none of them ever read except when they are forced to and even then, none go to the gym though none are sedentary, and half of them play video games daily.

I don’t drink in any real way, smoke, have never done drugs, I read voraciously, I train consistently, and Mario Kart on Super Nintendo was about when I realized I don’t seem to have enough fingers to play most modern games. So what am I, some super special iron willed ubermensch? I call bullshit on you, sir.[/quote]
Sheep don’t concern themselves with the lions’ roars.

71

[quote]Madtytecurls wrote:

[quote]MrZsasz wrote:

[quote]csulli wrote:

[quote]Typhoon wrote:
I can think of much worse things for a son to be doing than this. While certainly not something a Dad would be thrilled with, I can hardly say that this is up there on my list of things I truly hope my son doesn’t end up doing. [/quote]
You’re obviously not getting it.[/quote]

So is it just the “brony” thing that is the problem? Because it seems like that is just one part of the OP’s issue with his friend, a big one but still. More that he has no drive or motivation to do anything. Or that his drive and motivation is to things that the OP considers hobbies or pastimes. It was mentioned that his parents are wealthy, but how wealthy? If this is just some rich kid who has chosen to idle his life away due to no money issues, it’s a different story somewhat. Somewhat.

Not to say that the “brony” thing isn’t on the way far side of weird, but would this still be the issue if he was hyper-interested in a sports team? We all know that guy, watches every game, has multiples jerseys, constantly listens to sports talk radio, has to watch the draft, talks about every teen player who is up and coming, etc.[/quote]

His parents are more upper middle class. I grew up in Douglas Country Colorado and so did he and most of us admittedly come from pretty well off families. They make enough money to provide for him at least.
What you said is true, the Brony thing is not the huge issue rather it is his lack of motivation to do anything productive in his life.
I should also mention that my friend sadly has other friends who are a lot like him. They usually come in two different shapes, either way too fat or way too skinny. Many of them are anime nerds, video game addicts, and Bronies and they pride themselves as being part of the nerd sub-culture.
What I always used to think though was that being a nerd also meant being academically talented. Aren’t nerds supposed to do well in school and enjoy studying?

I don’t really think these guys are nerds, they’re just losers.
[/quote]

I thought that was your real concern but everyone was focused on the little pony thing so I wasn’t sure. And what people have said about taking a horse to water but not being able to make it drink is true. On a similar example, I bet every person on this board has experienced a friend/coworker/family member ask them to help them get into shape. And we all write up a routine, write up a diet, and direct them to sites like this for more motivation. Sure enough, the person drops the ball as soon as they start and if we keep asking about it, we are the bad guy.

So if you want to be his friend, just be his friend on your terms. If he brings up the certification, refuse to discuss it unless he is doing something about it. Same with the horsey stuff, just tell him that you just don’t care, fine if he does but you find the topic boring.

And I know what you mean about nerds vs losers.

72

[quote]browndisaster wrote:

[quote]MrZsasz wrote:

[quote]browndisaster wrote:
By all means make sure to not improve your life. It’s impossible to just play video games with him for a couple hours a week and not get sucked into his shittyness.[/quote]

Bullshit. If you are that weak and pathetic, so be it, but don’t make it out to be some universal law that you must be a sheep and follow the pack. All my friends are heavy drinkers, quite of few of them smoke, more than half of them regularly smoke weed and make use of other recreational drugs, none of them ever read except when they are forced to and even then, none go to the gym though none are sedentary, and half of them play video games daily.

I don’t drink in any real way, smoke, have never done drugs, I read voraciously, I train consistently, and Mario Kart on Super Nintendo was about when I realized I don’t seem to have enough fingers to play most modern games. So what am I, some super special iron willed ubermensch? I call bullshit on you, sir.[/quote]
Sheep don’t concern themselves with the lions’ roars.[/quote]

Sorry, but does that not make you a sheep in lion’s clothing who can’t help but surrender his identity to those around him?

73

[quote]csulli wrote:

[quote]Typhoon wrote:

[quote]csulli wrote:

[quote]Typhoon wrote:
You are assuming that everyone who watches this show as an adult is like that.

Or that only introverts, half-wits totally bereft of any self-esteem, confidence are ones interested in these things.
[/quote]
Excellent null hypothesis! If only we had data![/quote]

Well lets see my opinion is actually grounded on examples of knowing some of these guys…your is…pulled out of your ass as far as I can tell.[/quote]
Oh I see… I’m sorry I offended you Typhoon. I don’t want anypony on TNation to feel persecuted. I want you to know that I love and tolerate you, and if we ever met in person, I would give you a brohoof.[/quote]

When did I say you offended me? The more responses I read from you the more it seems like you are just talking straight out of your ass. Hell of a skill to be able to talk out of your ass, it’ll get you far in life if used wisely, if not there is always ventriloquism.

74

[quote]SkyzykS wrote:

[quote]Typhoon wrote:

[quote]SkyzykS wrote:

[quote]Typhoon wrote:

[quote]csulli wrote:

[quote]Typhoon wrote:
I can think of much worse things for a son to be doing than this. While certainly not something a Dad would be thrilled with, I can hardly say that this is up there on my list of things I truly hope my son doesn’t end up doing. [/quote]
You’re obviously not getting it.[/quote]

I am not getting that this just isn’t that high up on my list of things I hope my son doesn’t do? You can say you have a different view about it but it’s pretty presumptuous to think that I don’t get my own opinion/list. [/quote]

You keep referring to this list, which makes me curious.

Do you have a son?
[/quote]

Yes, 2 in a half. [/quote]

Ok, because I have a little one too. Some of the stuff I’ve thought about has been along these lines. I’d feel very badly as a parent if my son turned out like these bronies are being described.

I mean, sure there are tons of things that could be worse, but there is also a whole lot that is better.

[/quote]

Like I said before if he just watches that cartoon as an adult but leads a normal life, I really wouldn’t see too much wrong with it. Obviously if he turns into the stereotypical antisocial, live in the basement, no job type then I’ll consider myself a failure. I am just not so sure that there is a direct correlation. Like I said before I am an adult that watches anime (even go to conventions with buddies) and plays those nerdy MMOs (use to at least) and plenty of other video games, I also have a career and a family. There are plenty of other/similar types (to bronies) that watch anime and play video games but it doesn’t mean that those things cause that.

75

[quote]Madtytecurls wrote:
Also, I just don’t get his fascination with anime. My friend got me into a lot of things like card games, PNP RPGs, video games, etc but I never got into the whole anime thing.

The only anime I have ever liked and continue to like today is Dragonball Z. I think other animes just have too much randomness and fan-service, I just can’t get into it.

I wouldn’t make a big deal about it but when you see a 29 year old man who lives in his parent’s basement with anime wall scrolls all over his bedroom it makes me wonder if anime has somehow made him the way he is.[/quote]
:(. A lot of diversity in anime, my man. A lot of diversity in the audience as well.

76

[quote]csulli wrote:

[quote]Typhoon wrote:

[quote]csulli wrote:

[quote]Typhoon wrote:
You are assuming that everyone who watches this show as an adult is like that.

Or that only introverts, half-wits totally bereft of any self-esteem, confidence are ones interested in these things.
[/quote]
Excellent null hypothesis! If only we had data![/quote]

Well lets see my opinion is actually grounded on examples of knowing some of these guys…your is…pulled out of your ass as far as I can tell.[/quote]
Oh I see… I’m sorry I offended you Typhoon. I don’t want anypony on TNation to feel persecuted. I want you to know that I love and tolerate you, and if we ever met in person, I would give you a brohoof.[/quote]
I for one am appalled at the Bronyphobia rampant here at TN.

77

Huh. I always thought bronies were satirical, guess not.

Anyways, I see nothing wrong with adults liking cartoons made for younger audiences/the other gender. Personally I love a Cartoon Network show called Adventure Time. That show has so much utter insanity and a plethora of dark humor that it tickles my funny bones something fierce. A bit hit or miss though, but overall it’s funny.

The issue is when people make so much identification with whatever they’re watching that it becomes a major part of their life. This applies for lots of other pop-culture things too, but it’s just more obvious and jarring when it’s something like this.

I mean, I don’t particularly see a difference between this and people who get so into the Civil War that they dress up and reenact stuff. There are degrees of sanity. Some do it as a hobby; others go so deep into it that it basically becomes their life.

Character identification just happens to be a stronger emotional connection than connections you might make with your favorite football team or something. And, even then, you do have folks at soccer matches going absolutely insane when their team loses or the ref makes a controversial call, etc. Emotional connection is the key here, and it’s always a problem when you or your loved ones make such a strong emotional connection to something that they do absurd things because of it.

78

LOL Adventure Time is geared to a young adult audience.

79

[quote]magick wrote:
Huh. I always thought bronies were satirical, guess not.

Anyways, I see nothing wrong with adults liking cartoons made for younger audiences/the other gender. Personally I love a Cartoon Network show called Adventure Time. That show has so much utter insanity and a plethora of dark humor that it tickles my funny bones something fierce. A bit hit or miss though, but overall it’s funny.

The issue is when people make so much identification with whatever they’re watching that it becomes a major part of their life. This applies for lots of other pop-culture things too, but it’s just more obvious and jarring when it’s something like this.

I mean, I don’t particularly see a difference between this and people who get so into the Civil War that they dress up and reenact stuff. There are degrees of sanity. Some do it as a hobby; others go so deep into it that it basically becomes their life.

Character identification just happens to be a stronger emotional connection than connections you might make with your favorite football team or something. And, even then, you do have folks at soccer matches going absolutely insane when their team loses or the ref makes a controversial call, etc. Emotional connection is the key here, and it’s always a problem when you or your loved ones make such a strong emotional connection to something that they do absurd things because of it.[/quote]

So basically keep identity and ego out of it. Jeez so much people can worry about what other think about them so much they never have time to just enjoy themselves.

80

SLAP HIM!!!

Then, when he looks hurt & or upset with you & asks you why you slapped him, tell him:

Dude, if you think THAT hurt, you ain’t felt nothing yet. When you wake up in 10-20+ years time & your rich-ass parents are dead & or too old to tend to your over-privelleged balls & you realize what a collosall waste you’ve made of your life you are to going to be hurting much, much, much more!!!