I've always been the reader and movie-lover in my friend group. The way that stories and characters inspire me to be the best version of myself touches my soul in a way that nothing else does. I was already an imaginative child, but after my family moved across our state, I spent all of middle school connecting with fictional words and characters, so I spoke to relationship expert Elizabeth Earnshaw, LMFT, for a look at why our bonds with fictional characters are so strong.
I've always been the reader and movie-lover in my friend group. The way that stories and characters inspire me to be the best version of myself touches my soul in a way that nothing else does. I was already an imaginative child, but after my family moved across our state, I spent all of middle school connecting with fictional words and characters, so I spoke to relationship expert Elizabeth Earnshaw, LMFT, for a look at why our bonds with fictional characters are so strong.
As I aged, I felt like I was growing up with my favorite characters, from The Chronicles of Narnia's Lucy Pevensie to the various superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As someone who's on the quieter side, it's always been inspiring to see characters that are brave under pressure because it makes me feel like I can be brave, too.
"Fictional romances can make us believe that our own romances should look exactly as we see them on the screen," Earnshaw says. "The same with how friendships and family relationships might be represented. But in real life, relationships are more complex and include day-to-day interactions which can't possibly be demonstrated on TV."
With so many shows and movies available, it takes no time at all to fall out of one hyperfixation and into another, but Earnshaw says that's not necessarily a bad thing. "Remind yourself that it's okay to have a fantasy! It is also okay to admire a character. I think it's super important not to have shame around this," she says. "And then, use that admiration and fantasy to consider what it means for your real life — what are you hoping for? What type of connections do you need?"
Actress and entrepreneur Tracee Ellis Ross recently revealed the driving force behind her desire to become the owner of her haircare brand, Pattern.
According to its site, Pattern is a haircare company that provides a wide range of products, from shampoos, conditioners, oils, creams, and many more to individuals with curls, coils, and tight hair textures. Although Pattern would launch in 2019, the idea for the company first came to Ross a decade before --in 2008, when her hit show Girlfriends wrapped-- following a brief encounter at a beauty supply store and many wanting to recreate her past looks.
The movie was a clear hit, but the soundtrack is still as iconic as the day it came out and is certified platinum with over 2 million copies sold. (And remember, this is still the time when CDs were mainstream, so that’s a pretty big number). I mean, how can you not love hits like “What Dreams Are Made Of” and “Why Not?”
The movie was a clear hit, but the soundtrack is still as iconic as the day it came out and is certified platinum with over 2 million copies sold. (And remember, this is still the time when CDs were mainstream, so that’s a pretty big number). I mean, how can you not love hits like “What Dreams Are Made Of” and “Why Not?”
The movie was a clear hit, but the soundtrack is still as iconic as the day it came out and is certified platinum with over 2 million copies sold. (And remember, this is still the time when CDs were mainstream, so that’s a pretty big number). I mean, how can you not love hits like “What Dreams Are Made Of” and “Why Not?”
selective focus photography of jolly woman using peace hand gesture
Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash
The movie was a clear hit, but the soundtrack is still as iconic as the day it came out and is certified platinum with over 2 million copies sold. (And remember, this is still the time when CDs were mainstream, so that’s a pretty big number). I mean, how can you not love hits like “What Dreams Are Made Of” and “Why Not?”
people laughing and talking outside during daytime
Photo by The Great Report
2020 Global Report Sheet
